Why Your Website Needs Two-Factor Authentication
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) encompasses an additional step to a login process, verifying your identity. This extra layer of security decreases the likelihood of a hacker accessing the data in your website. Instead of just needing a username and password, the hacker will need more information to access your account when using two-factor authentication.
Why Is It Important?
Two-factor authentication is extremely important to deter hackers from your website. Passwords are not going to keep you safe from a hacker who has targeted your website. By adding this extra layer of security, your website is less likely to be targeted and less likely to be hacked.
Types of Two-Factor Authentication
SMS Two-Factor Authentication
When setting up SMS 2FA, you will be asked to give a mobile phone number. Each time you log in, you will be asked to provide a small code that is sent to the mobile phone provided upon setup. Once you type in the code you received, you will have the ability to log in. This is a commonly used method of 2FA.
Authenticator App
This method of two-factor authentication uses an application that generates codes locally based on a secret key. If you use this method of 2FA, a website will generate a QR code that you can scan with your authentication app. Your app will generate a new code every 30 seconds or so. Like SMS 2FA, you will be asked to type the code provided in order to access your website. A common authenticator app is Google Authenticator.
Push Notification-Based Two-Factor Authentication
This method of 2FA sends your devices a push notification, asking to confirm a login attempt. This type of authentication also often gives your device a location estimate to confirm the login attempt was from you and not someone else. Many people find this to be the most convenient form of two-factor authentication.
Magento Upgrades Include 2FA
If it wasn’t already obvious, security is a top priority of Bytes.co and most other tech companies, including Magento. Magento now supports two-factor authentication since version 2.3, therefore, we highly suggest upgrading your Magento platform to at least version 2.3 if you haven’t already done so.
Who Needs It?
Anyone who has personal data or client data stored in the backend of their website should use two-factor authentication, ESPECIALLY e-commerce clients who accept online payments. The data that can be accessed through your website is not only attributed to you but to your clients as well.
We cannot stress the importance of two-factor authentication on e-commerce websites enough. Even if your website isn’t e-commerce, this extra layer of security can only help. Long story short, everyone should have two-factor authentication.
If you would like Bytes.co’s help in enabling two-factor authentication, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance. Since the global pandemic began, we have seen a massive rise in the number of hacked websites. Don’t let yours be one of them.
