Cyber criminals do not discriminate—all individuals are at risk regardless of age, gender, social status, etc. If you’re concerned about these threats, make sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to secure your accounts.   

One of the most effective ways to keep your account safe is with multi-factor authentication.   

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) requires more than one method to verify your identity when logging into your account or device. Signing into an account typically requires a username and password, which is single-factor authentication. But single-factor authentication is no longer enough to keep your accounts secure.    

In our digitally driven world, it takes minimal effort for cybercriminals to hack into accounts protected only by passwords. Adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts with MFA, such as entering an authentication code, means hackers would also need your phone to break in.  

 Here are four MFA methods that you can use to protect your accounts:  

1 – Authenticator Apps:  

Although they are a newer MFA method, authenticator apps are becoming increasingly popular.   

Authenticator apps generate one-time passcodes (OTPs) to verify your identity. These codes typically refresh every 30-60 seconds, which makes this a very secure option for multi-factor authentication.   

2 – Email Codes:  

Using an email for MFA is one of the most common methods.   

When you initiate a login, a code is sent to the email address on file to verify your identity.   

Although this method is convenient, it is essential to note that the security of email codes depends on the security of the email account itself. If your email account is compromised, all verification codes sent to your email will also be compromised.   

3 – Text and OTP via Phone Call:  

Text and Voice passcodes are also prevalent methods for multi-factor authentication.   

When you attempt to log in, a one-time passcode is either sent to your registered phone number via SMS, or you will receive a voice call with the code needed to verify your identity.   

4 – Biometrics:  

Biometric verification involves a unique physical characteristic, such as facial recognition, fingerprints, voice recognition, or even retinal scans in extreme circumstances.   

Biometric verification is becoming one of the most widely used methods of multi-factor authentication because it is difficult to steal or even fake biometric data; however, it is essential to be aware that hackers are finding ways to manipulate this information, so be cautious.