The post 2FA: The added Security for Crypto Accounts appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

We can consider the crypto account like a treasure box which needs to be handled with extra security. Protecting it with an extra layer or a key could be miraculous! Two-factor authentication or 2FA is like a secret password you enter while logging in. It is a one-time code which you might receive on your phone via apps like Google Authenticator or just an SMS. 2FA is the second key to your hard-earned funds. Even if someone gets access to the password, he cannot access the assets without the second code from the phone. This extra shield of security makes it harder for scammers to get their hands on your crypto. Interesting, isn’t it?



Let us read more about the wonders of 2FA!



1. Introduction to 2FA



2FA is a crucial component of security when it comes to the world of cryptocurrency. It adds an extra layer of protection to the crypto accounts beyond just a password. The digital wallet holds precious assets and tokens. This wallet is a secure vault for your digital currency. To make sure it is safer, 2FA shall be accommodated in the security regime. 



1.1. Definition



Two-factor authentication or 2FA is a process of security which requires the users to provide two different authentication factors before granting access to an account. This is usually a code sent to the user’s phone through apps like Google Authenticator or just an SMS. It makes unauthorized trespassing next to impossible if used carefully. It is widely used to protect crypto wallets and accounts! 



1.2. Why is 2FA important? 




It imparts enhanced security to the account, thus making it difficult for hackers to misuse it.



Phishing attacks are very common in the crypto world! Scammers create fake websites or emails to trick the users into ousting the credentials. 2FA protects the account even if the login details are compromised as the hacker would still need the second code to log in.



Sometimes, passwords aren’t able to do justice to the account protection. This is where 2FA comes into the picture. It is much harder for hackers to get access to the code sent to the physical device of the user.



If crypto has gone once, it can never be recovered! Therefore, 2FA helps in preventing unauthorised withdrawals from the account.



It is a vital tool to bolster the security of cryptocurrency holdings as it reduces the risk of unauthorised access to financial investments in this volatile and often-targeted world of digital currencies.  




2. Types of 2FA



The several types of 2FA have become an essential component of the secure crypto usage:




SMS or text message 2FA is when a one-time code is sent to the mobile phone via SMS. This code is entered with the password to access the account. However, SIM card swapping or interception of SMS might lead to a problematic situation in this kind of 2FA.



Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) are used by apps like Google Authenticator and Authy. They generate time-sensitive codes which must be used with the password. The codes change every 30 seconds, adding an extra shield of security to the assets.



Email-based 2FA is the one-time code or link sent to the email address of the user. To retrieve the code, one needs to access the email. It is generally considered less secure in comparison to other methods as the email could be compromised.



Hardware tokens are the physical devices which generate one-time codes and are highly secure as they are not connected to any internet. For instance, YubiKey is one great hardware token!



Biometric authentication is the one which involves using unique physical attributes like fingerprints, facial recognition or iris scan as one of the authenticating factors. 



Backup codes are a set of one-time codes which are generated while setting up 2FA. These can be used if one loses access to his primary 2FA method. They should be secured very safely.   




3. Step-by-step guide to set up 2FA




Choose an Authenticator app! Popular ones include Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator. These can be found easily on the smartphone’s app store.



Install the authenticator app on the phone.



Log in to the online account where you wish to set up the 2FA. This could be the crypto exchange, email, or any other service.



Locate the 2FA settings in your account settings or security settings within the online account. There is an option of enabling 2FA.



Choose the app method for setting up 2FA. This is labelled as an “Authenticator App” or “Time-based one-time password”



Scan the QR code on the screen. Open the authenticator app and choose the option to “scan a QR code” or “Add an account”. Use the smartphone camera to scan the QR displayed on the account’s screen.



If you are provided with backup codes, save them in a secure place.



Verify the setup by entering the six-digit time sensitive code generated by the authenticator app. Enter this code into the online account as a part of the setup.



Once the code is entered correctly, the 2FA is completed.




4. Why is 2FA one of the best security practices?




2FA provides protection against unauthorized access to the crypto account or wallet. They add an extra shield of security and make it much more difficult for the attackers to gain access to the account.



With 2FA, even if the password is compromised, hackers cannot log in due to the requirement of the authentication code.



The technology helps in mitigating phishing attacks by requiring a second factor which attackers cannot obtain.



It provides enhanced security in comparison to the other shielding methods in the world of cryptocurrencies.




5. Future of the technology



The two-factor authentication is likely to have upgrades in security methods and increased adoption in the crypto scenario. The future of 2FA will involve a combination of biometrics, advanced technology, and increased adoption to address the evolving cyber threats to the crypto world. Artificial intelligence will play a role in identifying patterns of suspicious behaviour and increasing the efficiency of the 2FA systems. 2FA is a crucial component of crypto security and will keep evolving as the crypto-threats will!



6. Final thoughts



Two-factor authentication has proven its worth in industries like cryptocurrency and digital transactions. It has become an essential part of the line of protection of the crypto assets owned by the users. By saving the crypto from hacks in the past, it is the current hero of the crypto security mechanisms. It is going to upgrade as the crypto world does and will stay along with us in future as well.



7. FAQs



Q1. Is 2FA safe for crypto? 2FA provides a strong security layer for the transactions and is one of the first things to do while setting up the crypto account. Q2. Can hackers crack 2FA? If handled carefully, it gets difficult for the hackers to get access to the 2FA. However, it is strongly recommended to avoid clicking any unknown link or website to not fall victim to the phishing attacks. Q3. Is 2FA legal? For many countries like the US, 2FA has been a mandatory requirement for accessing government websites for several years.