The standard hardware-based authentication with public key cryptography-a set of tools that is extremely difficult to hacked. They stick to an industry standard called Universal 2nd Factor, or U2F. Several manufacturers make these types keys, and they all basically work the same way. Think of it as a physical key that, instead of unlocking a door, unlocks your online life.

You can use them in either place, along with your password, to authenticate web logins. They plug into your computer, and some also connect to your phone.

The YubiKey-like other, similar devices-is a small metal and plastic key about the size of a USB stick. The best way to set up two-factor authentication is to get a hardware security key and setup two factor-authentication on it. When a unique scramble of numbers shows up on your phone, you type them into the browser along with your password at the login screen.īut no matter how strong a password is, or what level of code-based authentication a website is using, any system that sends codes in a text message can be compromised from afar by a skilled attacker. One of the more common 2FA methods in use today employs six-digit passcodes that are sent to your phone via text message. This protocol commonly refer as 2FA requires you to type in a password and provide one other piece of proof that you are who you say you are before you can log in to a service.

One of the most important steps you can take to secure your online services is setting up two-factor authentication. As we become more dependent upon online platforms for social and professional purposes, it grows increasingly important that we adapt to stronger online security measures.

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