We get it, security features can sometimes feel like a hassle. No one wakes up excited to set up security features. But some things are worth the extra few minutes and Two Factor Authentication is one of those things as just an ordinary password is not enough anymore.
Account breaches happen every day, not just to big companies and hosting platforms like Blacknight, but across day-to-day platforms like email, social media, banking apps and well, just ordinary people like you and me. It is something every individual should have in place to secure their digital lives.
What is 2FA?
Two Factor Authentication is a simple yet powerful way to add that extra layer of security to your online accounts. Instead of logging in with just a password, 2FA asks for a second piece of security, usually a uniquely generated 6-digit code that’s time sensitive, displayed from your chosen device which has the authenticator app.
Remember the hype on Credit Card Transactions around Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) or 3D Secure that came into effect the 1st of January 2021. 2FA is the same concept which verifies the correct person has access to an account.
Almost all platforms offer 2FA these days to protect your account from cyber threats.
Why does it matter?
The importance of 2FA lies in the growing number of cyberattacks targeting accounts across the internet. Many people reuse the same passwords across different sites which makes passwords vulnerable to data breaches, phishing, and other forms of cyber theft. 2FA mitigates this risk by adding a second line of defence, making it much more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorised access to accounts. It protects sensitive information, reduces the likelihood of identity theft, and helps secure both personal and professional data from potential threats.
Imagine your email is compromised, what implications could that have on you or your business? It can be detrimental as email is tied to almost everything you do online, with access to password resets, banking, social media and government services. That one account could unlock all the others.
Ever followed an influencer and their account got hacked? Well, this is where 2FA could’ve prevented that from happening. Everything is linked, from one error one access could lead to another and another and another.
So how does it work for my Blacknight Account?
First you need to download an Authenticator App to your phone or Tablet such as Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator or Duo amongst others.
When you go to your Blacknight account settings, there will be an option to enable 2FA. You can scan the QR code with your App or enter the code displayed then it will be linked to your device. Then, every time you log in to Blacknight’s control panel, you’ll be prompted to enter a new code – that you can find from the app on your phone. This way, no one, other than you, can log in into your account.
So, if someone has access to your password, they still can’t get into your account without the second factor, that’s what makes it such a powerful tool.
Set Up Blacknight’s 2FA
Blacknight has options for enabling Two Factor Authentication on both the old and the new Control Panel. Details and step by step directions can be accessed here on how to enable it and protect your account from any breach. To check if your 2FA is active here is a quick view on where to go :
- Click on My Account in the top-right corner, and click Security Settings near the bottom of the drop down list.
- It will show if the two factor authentication is currently enabled or disabled.
You lock your front door. You don’t share your bank pin. So don’t leave your online accounts unprotected either. Two Factor Authentication is a quick, free and powerful way to take control of your digital security.
If you encounter any problems with accessing your Blacknight account, contact our support team via phone +353 (0)59 9183072 or email help@blacknight.com.
About the Author: Alicia Stumke
