Authenticator and 2 step verification on e mail

The joys of email security!

What is Authenticator and 2-Step Verification?

Authenticator and 2-Step Verification are security measures designed to add an extra layer of protection to your email account. They help prevent unauthorized access to your account by requiring you to provide additional information or verification steps beyond just your password.

Authenticator:

An Authenticator is a small program or app that generates a unique code, usually a time-based one-time password (TOTP), which you need to enter along with your password to access your email account. This code is generated using a shared secret key, which is stored on your device and on the email provider's server.

Here's how it works:

  1. You set up the Authenticator app on your device.
  2. You enter the shared secret key on your device and on the email provider's server.
  3. When you try to access your email account, the Authenticator app generates a unique code.
  4. You enter the code along with your password to access your account.

2-Step Verification:

2-Step Verification is a more comprehensive security measure that requires you to provide two forms of verification to access your email account. The two steps are:

  1. Something you know: Your password.
  2. Something you have: A verification code sent to your phone or a one-time password generated by an Authenticator app.

Here's how it works:

  1. You set up 2-Step Verification on your email account.
  2. When you try to access your account, you enter your password.
  3. The email provider sends a verification code to your phone or generates a one-time password using an Authenticator app.
  4. You enter the verification code or one-time password to complete the 2-Step Verification process.

Benefits of Authenticator and 2-Step Verification:

  1. Improved security: These measures make it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your email account.
  2. Reduced risk of phishing: Even if an attacker has your password, they won't be able to access your account without the verification code or one-time password.
  3. Compliance with security standards: Many organizations require employees to use Authenticator or 2-Step Verification to access company email accounts.

How to set up Authenticator and 2-Step Verification:

  1. Check with your email provider to see if they offer Authenticator or 2-Step Verification.
  2. Follow the provider's instructions to set up the service.
  3. Install an Authenticator app on your device, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.
  4. Set up the app with the shared secret key provided by your email provider.

Remember, security is all about layers. Authenticator and 2-Step Verification are important additions to your email security arsenal.