Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of online security through the use of strong, unique passwords, password managers, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect against hacking and unauthorized access to personal accounts.

Abstract

The article "Don’t Become A Target" advocates for robust online security practices, highlighting the vulnerability of passwords as a single point of failure. It recommends using password managers to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each online account, thereby safeguarding against widespread account compromise if one password is breached. The author stresses the additional security layer provided by Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which requires a second form of identity verification, typically a time-sensitive code, to prevent unauthorized access even if a password is compromised. The article explains that 2FA is user-friendly and widely available across many online services, despite its perceived complexity, and it encourages readers to enable this feature to secure their online presence.

Opinions

The author is a strong proponent of online security, viewing it as straightforward yet critically important.
Password managers are considered essential tools for protecting passwords and personal information.
Each online account should have a distinct password to ensure overall security.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is highly recommended as an additional security measure beyond passwords.
The author believes that the perceived complexity of 2FA should not deter users from adopting it, as it significantly enhances account security.
Email accounts are highlighted as particularly sensitive, as they can be a gateway to an individual's entire online life.
The author suggests that enabling 2FA, while it may add a few seconds to the login process, is a minor inconvenience compared to the security benefits it provides.
The article encourages readers to take proactive steps to secure their online accounts, including subscribing to the author's articles for more information on online security.

Don’t Become A Target

Or… How to stop being hacked!

I am a huge advocate of online security. It’s not hard to do, but incredibly important.

I am a strong believer in the use of password managers, whichever you choose, to protect your passwords and more.

Your password is the most common single point of failure between you and the hacker gaining access to your online accounts.

Email
Shopping
Banking

Which of the above would you prefer to lose your password to?

None of them, right?

Your password is the most common single point of failure

Your email account is, effectively, the gateway to your entire online life — this is the one that, if misused, could cost you big, financially, and emotionally!

I always advocate the use of strong, unique passwords. Yes, unique.

Each account should have a different password so that if one account is compromised, the others are safe.

A password manager is a way to go here; it can save your passwords securely; it can even suggest passwords to use, so you know that it’s unique.

However, there is another step you can take to make your accounts even more secure.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which is also known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It sounds more confusing than it is. This is a shame because I think that is what scares people into NOT using it. You probably already do it but don’t know it.

What is 2FA?

2FA is a method of logging in to an online account where you don’t just use your login and password but also a second form of identity. This is usually in the form of a code, either created via an app on your mobile phone or sent by email or text.

In other words, once you’ve entered your password, the online service will then request a code. A code that only you can provide. Therefore, if your password is compromised, no one can access your account without the secondary code.

Many services now offer the ability to ‘turn on’ two-factor Authentication, and while it may slow down your access by a few seconds, at least you know it’s secure.

2FA codes are only valid for about 30 seconds before they re-generate. This means, if you don’t use it within that time, the login will fail—another layer of protection.

The other way you might use 2FA is through email or SMS.

Using a text message is not always as secure as one generated in the app, but it’s at least better than doing nothing.

All you need to do is go to the Account profile of the site or the settings and enable Two-Factor Authentication, and you’ll be prompted on the steps to take.

It’s a simple but very effective way to secure your online accounts and save you from the pain of losing access to your online life.

Thank you for reading

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