January 30, 2018

Why Dentists Need Two-Factor Authentication

Digital crime and fraud are on the rise. It’s annoying. It’s expensive. It’s reality. You may think it will never happen to you, but when it does, the results can be devastating. Your online logins, usernames, passwords, etc., provide a level of protection. However, stepping up to two-factor authentication (2FA) or “multi-factor authentication” provides an additional layer of security and peace of mind for a minimum effort. The return on your time invested will be very, very high.

How does it work? When you log in to a Website, there is an additional step where a code, password, prompt, etc. is then sent to your phone or email account asking you to verify the login attempt. This information is given to you and only you. Someone hacking your account would not be able to obtain the extra information, even if they figure out your password. Basically, it verifies that you are you.

Major brands such as Google Twitter, Facebook and Apple have stepped up to two-step verification. The process is very easy to start and typically, once you’ve authenticated the device you’re using, you won’t have to authenticate again for 30-45 days. Understand, 2FA does not make you impervious to identity theft or to hackers. Protecting yourself with added security makes it more difficult for a cyber-criminal to attack you. It makes you less ideal. The added security widdles down the broader hacking community to only a subset of hackers who can infiltrate your accounts (these people have certain skills just like we all do). In short, the more difficult you make it, the less likely it is you will be pursued.

We encourage all of our clients and staff to set up two-factor authentication on their accounts. Here are some quick links to the major online places where you can do the same. Click below and start protecting yourself, today.

Google

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Microsoft