Guide to Activating Two-Factor Authentication on All Your Online Accounts

A password is your number one ally when it comes to securing your accounts. It is the first line of defense, but what happens if attackers cross that line? What will protect your accounts?

2 Passwords are Better than 1: Activating 2-factor authentication

The answer is adding a secondary layer of protection in the form of a second password. This type of security is called 2-factor authentication. 2-factor authentication is where a user is prompted to authenticate their login. This authentication will most commonly be a code which is sent via text, email, push notification or embedded in an app. 

Most major platform developers like Facebook and Google already have this feature. We are here to teach you how to activate it.

Facebook

To turn on 2-factor authentication on Facebook follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Security and Login. For mobile go to Account Settings > Security and Login.
2. Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
3. Select the method you want to use then click on Enable.

There are a few methods available for you, here is what they do:

• Text Message — Facebook will text the codes to your mobile device.
• Security Key — Use a Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security key. This method requires you to have a specialized USB or a device with Near Field Connectivity (NFC).
• Code Generator — Use a random code generator in your Facebook app to reset your password and generate login codes. This method requires you to setup a third-party app for the codes.
• Recovery Codes — Facebook gives you a recovery code you can use in case you do not have your phone with you.
• App Passwords — Facebook provides you with a unique, one-off password for apps that don’t support 2-factor authentication.
• Authorized logins — This option will open a list of devices you have authorized that no longer need a 2-factor authentication to access Facebook.

Twitter

To turn on 2-factor authentication on Twitter follow these steps.

Via The Web:

1. Go to Settings and Privacy > Account.
2. Add your phone number (in case you haven’t). Twitter will send you a text message with a code to verify your phone number.
3. Click on the checkbox beside Verify login requests.
4. A pop-up will show explaining how login verifications work, click Start and verify your password.
5. Twitter will then send a code to your phone number for additional verification.
6. Click on the Get Backup Code to generate a code. You can use this code to access your account if you lose your phone or you change your number.

Via mobile on iOS:

1. Go to Settings and Privacy > Account > Security. If you don’t have a phone number associated with your account, you’ll see a prompt to add one.
2. Drag the slider to turn on Login Verification.
3. Tap Confirm.
4. A pop-up will show explaining how login verifications work, click Start.
5. Twitter will then send a code to your phone number for additional verification.
6. Tap the Get Backup Code to generate a code. You can use this code to access your account if you lose your phone or you change your number.

Via mobile on Android:

• Go to Settings and Privacy > Account > Security. If you don’t have a phone number associated with your account, you’ll see a prompt to add one.
• Tap on the checkbox beside Login Verification.
• Tap Ok.
• A pop-up will show explaining how login verifications work, click Start.
• Twitter will then send a code to your phone number for additional verification.
• Tap the Get Backup Code to generate a code. You can use this code to access your account if you lose your phone or you change your number.

Gmail

To turn on 2-step verification on Google follow these steps:

1. Go to the 2-step verification page. You will need to log into your Google account.
2. Click on Get Started.
3. Google will then ask you to set up your phone and what method you want to use (Text Message or Phone Call).
4. Google will then send you a text or call to verify your phone.
5. After the verification, Click Turn on.

Banks

Most banks are now offering 2-factor authentications when you are doing deals online via your Credit Card or ATM or through any other bank. You would first need to enroll in your bank’s Electronic banking or E-banking program to enable their 2-factor services. 2-factor authentication is then immediately implemented in the form of one-time pins or codes sent to your mobile phone via text or phone call each time you make a transaction.

Other Platforms

Steam

Steam now implements Steam Guard via their mobile app as a 2-factor authentication. The app acts as a random code generator. Each time you log into Steam, you’ll be asked to enter a code. To activate this feature, follow the steps below.

1. Install the Steam mobile app on your phone.
2. Tap the menu icon and select Steam Guard.
3. Select Add Authenticator.
4. Enter your phone number.
5. Enter the code sent to your phone.
6. Store the recovery code provided. This code is used to access your account if you lose your phone.

And there you have it. Other programs and platforms we did not feature may also offer 2-factor authentication make sure to double check. As always stay vigilant when surfing the web and when downloading files, 2-factor authentication may add another layer of security but it isn’t 100% guaranteed to protect you.