Anyone who's paid attention to computer security over the past few years will probably tell you that your password isn't enough. Passwords are often awkward and hard to remember—leading people to use the same password for multiple sites—and if someone gets a hold of your login credentials, they can wreak havoc with your personal information. Not good.
Using two-factor authentication can't prevent all security headaches, but it can keep your accounts a good deal safer.
What is two-factor authentication, anyway?
Two-factor authentication adds another step to the login process when you sign in to a website or app. You enter your username and password as you normally would, but instead of being logged in, you will then be asked to enter in a security code that expires after a single use. In a sense, it's a password for your password.
There are multuple ways to get these security codes: The most common is via a simple text message to your phone, and most services that offer two-factor authentication default to this option. Depending on the service, you can also get codes through specialized smartphone apps, via email, or through specialized "security token" devices—dedicated pocket-sized devices that can generate and provide security codes for you.
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