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How To Secure Your Two-Factor Authentication

How To Secure Your Two-Factor Authentication

Cybersecurity Snacks
November 15, 2023

Nathanael/Cybersecurity Snacks

Good morning. Today, we are covering the benefits of two-factor authentication. We are also offering practical tips on how to enhance two-factor authentication. As usual, we will also bring you the latest news and jobs in the cybersecurity field. We end today’s newsletter with a wisdom quote. First time reading? Sign up here

Main Meal

🔑 Ever misplaced your house keys and wished there was another way to get in? That's what two-factor authentication feels like, but for the digital world. It's that extra layer of security you need when one password just isn't enough.

🗝️ You know how it is - a single key might be easy to lose or steal. But imagine having an additional fingerprint lock as backup.

What is Two-Factor Authentication

🔒 Two-factor authentication (2FA), a security measure that requires two distinct forms of identity verification, is like having double locks on your front door for added protection.

🔐 You may be familiar with this when logging into an online account. After entering your password (the first factor), you might get asked for a second proof of identification.

📱 This could be an SMS code sent to your phone or even a fingerprint scan if it's really high-tech. The idea is that even if someone else gets hold of one piece of the puzzle (like guessing your password), they'll still need another key to break in.

🤔 Surprisingly, just 61% of individuals use at least one type of two-factor authentication (2FA) for their accounts. But let me tell you – using 2FA can save you from serious headaches down the line.

The Advantages of Two-Factor Authentication

🛡️ Two-factor authentication shores up your security game. It's like a bouncer for your data, asking for not one but two IDs before letting anyone in.

🔑 Adding an additional layer of security, 2FA acts as a shield against cyber-attacks. Think about it as a double-locked door - even if someone gets past the first lock (your password), they still need to crack the second one (your unique verification code).

🕵️‍♂️ Protection from phishing scams and identity thefts.

🔓 Finally, 2FA facilitates account recovery. Lost passwords are less scary when you have another way in.

Common Types of Two-Factor Authentication

📲 Two-factor authentication methods are plenty, each with its unique pros and cons. Let's look at some popular ones.

📩 SMS Verification: This method sends a code to your phone via text message. It's easy but has one downside: if someone gets hold of your phone, they can access the code too.

📧 Email Verification: An alternative is email verification. Here, you receive an authorization link or code in your inbox. But remember, this method relies on the security of your email account.

🖐️ Biometric Identification: Biometric identification, like fingerprint scans or facial recognition, adds another layer of protection because it uses physical traits that are hard to replicate.

✨ Remember - no matter which two-factor authentication you use, it's all about adding an extra layer for securing your digital lives.

How to Enhance Two-Factor Authentication

📲 Opt for authenticator apps like Microsoft or Google Authenticator instead of SMS codes.

🔢 Go for longer codes with more than six characters whenever you can.

🔐 Keep your security codes to yourself - never share them.

🤔 If you're uncertain about your security setup, consult a professional for advice.

♻️ Make it a rule: never reuse passwords.

🔒 Generate complex passwords using a password manager.

News

Lightman/Pixabay

Google Takes Legal Action Against Cybercriminals for Distributing Malware Through Bogus Bard Downloads

Google is suing cybercriminals who delivered malware via fake Bard downloads and who abused the DMCA to harm competitors. The cybercriminals tricked users into downloading malware by offering fake Bard AI downloads. The malware hijacked users’ social media accounts. The cybercriminals submitted false DMCA takedowns to remove websites of competing businesses, causing them financial damage [more]

World's Largest Bank Forced to Trade on USB Stick After Cyber Attack

The Industrial & Commercial Bank of China had to resort to trading via USB stick after a cyber attack rendered its systems unable to clear US Treasury trades. The attack, believed to be the work of the Lockbit gang, highlights the vulnerability of the financial system to cyber threats [more]

LockBit Hacker Group Reportedly Leaks Boeing Data

Boeing’s ransomware attack: A cybercriminal group called LockBit leaked 43GB of backup files from Boeing after the company refused to pay a ransom. Boeing confirmed the incident and said it did not affect its aircraft safety [more]

McLaren Health Care Data Breach Affects Over 2 Million Individuals

A hacker group stole personal and medical data of 2.2 million people from a Michigan healthcare system in July-August 2023. The Alphv/BlackCat group posted screenshots of the stolen data and threatened to auction it on the dark web. McLaren Health Care notified the affected individuals and said it has no proof that the data has been used maliciously [more]

New York Steps Up Cybersecurity Game with Hospital Rules

New York regulators are planning to implement cybersecurity regulations for hospitals in response to a series of recent attacks. The rules will require hospitals to develop incident response plans, assess cybersecurity risks, and install security technologies [more]

Mystery and Vulnerability: Toronto Public Library Board to Convene on Cybersecurity Breach

The Toronto Public Library board is meeting to discuss a recent cybersecurity breach that shut down the library's online system. Some services are still unavailable, and the library acknowledges that sensitive data may have been exposed [more]

AI Threatens Next UK Election: Deepfakes and Cyberattacks Pose Danger

The UK cybersecurity center warns that artificial intelligence, including deepfakes and hyper-realistic bots, poses a threat to the next national election. The center also raises concerns about cyberattacks by state-aligned actors and the rising power of China in cyberspace [more]

Massive Cyber Attack Halts Australian Ports Operations for Three Days

Australia's largest ports operator, DP World Australia, has resumed operations after a cyber incident forced the company to suspend activities for three days. The breach affected container terminals in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle, but the company expects to move about 5,000 containers through the day [more]

Dragos Under Attack Again: Ransomware Group Strikes with New Threat from AlphV

Industrial cybersecurity specialist Dragos has been targeted again by the ransomware group AlphV. AlphV claims to have breached Dragos through a third-party hack and has given the company 24 hours to respond to their extortion demands [more]

Huber Heights in Crisis: State of Emergency Declared After Devastating Cyber Attack

The City of Huber Heights in Ohio has declared a state of emergency following a ransomware attack. Several city services have been impacted, and officials are working to restore systems and review internal procedures to prevent future attacks [more]

Henry Schein Data Breach

Henry Schein has confirmed a data breach and provided details on the financial impact of a cyberattack. The medical device manufacturer warns that customer and supplier information may have been exposed and that bank account and credit card numbers may have been compromised [more]

Hackers Target Denmark’s Critical Infrastructure in Largest Coordinated Attack on Energy Sector

In the largest coordinated attack on Denmark's critical infrastructure, 22 energy firms were hacked. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in Zyxel firewalls, compromising the organizations within a few days [more]

Hackers Claim Courts and PriceSmart Cybersecurity Have Been Breached

Hackers claim that the cybersecurity of Courts and PriceSmart, two companies in Trinidad and Tobago, has been breached. The hackers allegedly stole customer data including names, email addresses, passwords, and payment methods [more]

Henry County Schools Network Under Siege: Cyber Security Threat Leaves Students and Teachers Disconnected

A cyber security threat has hit Henry County Schools, leading to restricted network access and limited access to grades and lessons. The district is working to resolve the issue quickly [more]