You needn’t have been hacked to understand how unnerving the experience can be. One way to make it more difficult for a hacker to enter your accounts is through two-factor authentication (2FA) or two-step verification (2SV), which provide an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password and username, but also another piece of information known only to you. Some venues, such as Chase bank, have this type of security built into their website. If you try to access your account from an unrecognized device, you will be required to confirm your identity with a code sent to a pre-established email or phone. You can manually enable 2FA or 2SV in many other places, including the following:
Google Gmail — Go to nwsdy.li/google2fa and click Get Started.
Yahoo mail — Go to nwsdy.li/yahoo2fa and follow directions.
Facebook — Click on the downward arrow on the upper right of your home page. Select Settings then click Security and Login under General at the top left. Enable 2FA under Setting Up Extra Security.
Microsoft — Go to nwsdy.li/microsoft2fa. You will need to verify your identity with a code sent to your email. Once in your account, you can turn on 2FA.
Amazon — Go to nwsdy.li/amazon2fa and follow directions.
PlayStation — Go to nwsdy.li/playstation2fa and click Activate Now.
Apple — Go to nwsdy.li/apple2fa and follow directions.
PayPal — Go to nwsdy.li/paypal2fa; PayPal calls its extra layer Security Key. Click the link beneath "How do I get started?" to set it up.
Twitter — Go to nwsdy.li/twitter2fa and follow directions.
Instagram — To enable, tap the gear icon on your profile and choose Two-Factor Authentication.
