Tech geeks and security-conscious business owners, rejoice! It’s 2-Factor Authentication Day! In an age where digital security is paramount, this really is something to be celebrated. Let’s double down on the vital role 2FA plays in safeguarding our online data, how it all works, and why it’s such a big deal for cybersecurity. 

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-Factor Authentication is all about adding an extra layer of protection. The idea is simple, but effective: You enter your password, as usual, but instead of being granted access right away, 2FA asks for something unique that only you have – such as a special code on your mobile phone. 

This extra step ensures that even if someone guesses your password, it’s near-impossible to access your account without access to both the password and the unique code. Statistics suggest that 2FA can block 99.9% of attempted account entry attacks. It’s an indispensable security tool for our online services and accounts and keep us all that bit safer online.

How does 2FA work?

As the name suggests, 2FA is based on the concept of using two (or more) “factors”. A factor is something — that is, a piece of information — that can be relied on to be sure it’s really you who’s logging in. Authentication depends on users having two of the following verification methods: 

✔️ What You Know: This includes things like passwords or PINs

✔️ What You Have: This is physical items like phones or apps that generate special codes. 

✔️ What You Are: This refers to unique biological features like fingerprints or one’s face.

2FA has been around for quite a while now. Conceived in the 80s, it started to gain widespread recognition and use from the mid-2000s. Before it came along we relied solely on singular our passwords to protect our online accounts. You’d enter your password, and if it was correct, you’d get right in. If someone were to correctly guess or steal your password they’d have immediate access to everything. 

You might feel like the extra factor takes up too much time. But more often than not, it takes seconds, and when you think about the risks, this little extra step is more than worth it.

As well as 2-Factor Authentication, you’ll also come across the term ‘Multi-Factor Authentication’ (MFA). They’re essentially the same thing. 2FA is just a form of MFA — though, it’s true that MFA could potentially refer to three (or more) Factors.

There are a few different ways to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts. After you enter your username and password, the second step is where the magic happens. Each option has its own pros and cons: 

☒ SMS Token: A unique code is sent via text message to your mobile phone. 77% of accounts now use texting as their method for two-factor authentication, making it a popular and widely trusted choice.

☒ Phone Call: After attempting to log in, you receive a phone call that provides a code verbally.  

☒ Email Token: A unique code is sent to your registered email address, similar to SMS. This method is useful for access on devices where you’re already logged into your email account.

☒ Software Token: Involves installing a specialised application on your device, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate time-sensitive codes, offering a secure and portable solution for authentication that doesn’t rely on SMS or network connectivity.

☒ Hardware Token: Using a tangible device like a key fob or a USB token to generates codes for authentication. 

☒ Biometric Verification: Making use of unique characteristics like fingerprints for identity verification. Once a bit futuristic, this method has become mainstream in the last ten years with the introduction of fingerprint and facial recognition scanners in smartphones.

Even with this added security, always stay sharp. Scammers might still try to get your password and second guess. Don’t share the information and make sure your main password is solid and unguessable. 

So, what is 2FA Day? 

2FA Day is a sacred day when tech enthusiasts worldwide throw wild, lavish parties in celebration of the latest developments in online security. The entry code? You guessed it — an exclusive two-factor authentication token. 

Okay, not really, but 2FA Day does say something about the importance of that extra security step in our digital lives. 2FA Day is celebrated on February 2nd. The date reflects the idea of adding a second security layer, adding a number 2 February. See what they’ve done, there? It encourages us to reinforce that first line of defence with a robust second check. We might owe it a birthday present or two, given how effective 2FA is against financial fraud. 

National Password Day, by the way, is on the first Thursday of May…

So as the day comes around, remember, it’s more than just a clever date. It’s a reminder to fortify your digital life, making it a bit more secure and smarter . As we celebrate 2FA Day on February 2nd, let it serve as a reminder that securing our own data and that of our customers and teammates online is not an option but a necessity. Amen. 

2FA with 123 Reg 

At 123 Reg, we include 2FA as part of Domain Ownership Protection (DOP). When a domain is secured with DOP, two-factor authentication is required for every important change or transfer requested for that domain. Domain Ownership Protection also includes… 

✔️ Additional domain privacy on the WHOIS database

✔️ A 90-day holding period with the Ultimate package

Keep your personal details private with Domain Ownership Protection 

All yell for SSL! 

SSL Certificates are just as important a security product as 2FA or DOP. If you have a website, an SSL can help keep your visitors secure and protect hackers accessing your what’s yours.

When visitors see a website has an SSL certificate, it’s a sign they are on a legit site and not a fake one. SSL Certificates are issued and regulated by Certificate Authorities (CAs) to ensure they are genuine. SSLs are so important to avoid basket abandonment with 84% of online shoppers say they abandon a purchase when they realise a website is insecure. 

See also: 7 Reasons Why SSL Certificates are Essential for Websites 

Data breaches are a threat for businesses of all sizes, with thousands of attacks every day. Domain Ownership Protetection from 123 Reg gives you advanced security, locking domain management features behind 2-step verification. DOP also comes with free domain privacy included as standard to ensure your personal information is private and hidden from the registry and the WHOIS database.