For over 30 years, November 30th, Computer Security Day, has been a global celebration of secure IT. To mark this day, we asked our system administrator Sebastian Schöller for a helpful tip for everyday computer security.
For over 30 years, November 30th, Computer Security Day, has been a global celebration of secure IT. To mark this day, we asked our system administrator Sebastian Schöller for a helpful tip for everyday computer security. For him, multi-factor authentication (MFA for short) is indispensable.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) uses two or more credentials that are used to verify identity. This significantly increases the security of login procedures. Once you have entered your password and user name, you are asked to confirm your identity.
A popular form of multi-factor authentication (MFA) is two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires another key in addition to the password and user name. This addition makes logging into websites or payment transactions more secure.
This additional key can take many forms. One popular form is a six-digit numerical code that is generated every 30 seconds. You are usually asked to scan a QR code in a specific app. This QR code often contains a sequence of numbers and digits. The app then converts this sequence into a six-digit numerical code, which you have to enter when logging into your account.
Popular apps for two-factor authentication (2FA) are Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Aegis Authenticator. These can be installed on Android or Apple smartphones.
Some people may now be wondering what happens to the 2FA codes if they lose their smartphone. Especially when setting up 2FA, after scanning the QR code, you should note that there is usually a button with the description “Would you like to enter the secret key manually?”. As soon as you press it, a secret key is displayed, which must be entered manually in the authentication app. At the same time, you write this code into your password database manager, such as KeePass or Bitwarden.
If, in the worst-case scenario, you do lose your smartphone, at least you still have this code that you can enter in the authentication app on another smartphone.
Many services now offer 2FA. It is best to set up and activate this function in every service that offers it. The most important thing is to set up 2FA with your e-mail provider, as e-mails offer a universal key to all registered services on the Internet. This means that 2FA protection with your email provider is essential and an absolute must.
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