LastPass two-factor authentication in action!
Two-factor authentication is a security measure that significantly increases the safety of your on-line material.
And in today’s world, where cyber crimes like hacking and identity theft are on the rise, anything you can do to increase your on-line security is a very wise move.
Using this security tool means adding an extra step when you’re logging into sites where you’ve activated that feature. It takes a bit more of your time up front, BUT in the long-run, this extra layer of security can save countless hours (not to mention helping you avoid lots of headaches, frustrations, and, quite possibly, lost money).
Two-factor authentication – what is it?
Very simply, this type of authentication involves (according to Wikipedia) the ” identification of users by means of the combination of two different components.”
So, for example, the security questions that you may be asked in order to access certain sites are a form of two-factor authentication. Another popular method of verifying your identity is that of sending a code to a cell-phone number or e-mail address that you’ve already set up. The code is sent by the site you’re trying to access. When you receive and enter that code on that site, you complete the two-step process of verifying your identity.
Two-factor authentication and LastPass
Two-factor authentication has long been available on LastPass (one of our favorite password managers). And we recently learned that they’ve released a new app that makes this process even easier for LastPass users — without losing any of its effectiveness as a security measure.
The LastPass Authenticator is a free app for your mobile devices that will generate an authentication code for you to use when required by a site you’re trying to log into.
Once you’ve installed the app on your device it’s available for you to use whenever you next log in to LastPass or another supported vendor service. All you need to do is:
- Open the LastPass Authenticator app to generate a 6-digit, 60-second code or approve the automated push notification or send yourself a code via SMS.
- Enter the code into the login prompt on the screen or approve the authentication request.
You’ll find directions for setting this up and using it on the LastPass website. For increasing your security (and peace of mind) it seems a worthwhile option to explore.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have no material connection with the brands, topics, or products that are mentioned here, and have not received any compensation for writing this content.
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