The history of Two-Factor Authentication technology actually goes back to 1984. It was patented for the first time that year. If we take a general look at the purpose of use, we can define it as duplicating security elements in order to prevent unauthorized persons from obtaining data.
Of course, today this technology goes beyond what is now known. It is no longer just something we use for banking transactions, for example when withdrawing money from an ATM. We use it in many places, from our social media accounts to digital platforms where we store our personal data, and even our WhatsApp conversations. So does it really work?
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Two-Factor Authentication blocks 50 percent of breaches
Google says that using Two-Factor Authentication reduces account and data hijacking by hackers by 50 percent. Especially in this area, the number of account security features added in the last few years has increased considerably.
According to Google, accounts that require Two-Factor Authentication are only half as hacked as accounts protected by a stand-alone password. This feature, or Two-Step Verification (2SV) as Google calls it, requires the user to have a second login credential in addition to their password.
This can be a one-time code sent via SMS or an app, or a simple alert system on your secure smartphone. Of course, physical authentication keys attached to devices can also be used. With Two-Step Verification enabled, even someone who knows your password won’t be able to log into your account unless they have your authenticator.
Actually, the problem is that most people don’t bother to enable 2-Step Verification on their accounts. That’s why Google said it would start requiring people to turn on 2-Step Verification late last year.
He then showed that he stood by his word by making it the default for 150 million Google accounts, as well as 2 million YouTube creator accounts. Wanting to encourage people on this issue, Google has released an update on security measures due to Safe Internet Day (February 8th). In this post, he stated that attacks on accounts using 2-Step Verification have dropped by 50 percent.
As of last year, only 10 percent of Google accounts were using factor two. But even that is twice the figures of Facebook and four times more than Twitter. We probably all know someone who has an important account hacked and we know the possible consequences.
But he’s not just talking about our conversations with someone here. A hacker might try to use the data they stole from you to steal money or impersonate you on other sites. It is currently not possible to completely avoid them. But Two-Factor Authentication technology certainly has its benefits.
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