Before you hunt down all those Cyber Monday deals, check your online account settings for a two-step verification option.
Fortune calls this cyber-security feature, also known as two-step or two-factor authentication, “one of the simplest measures you can take to lock down your digital persona”:
“Think of it as adding another lock to your money vault.”
With two-step verification enabled, you — and potential cyber-crooks — will need more than one password to access any online accounts for which you’ve enabled the feature.
After entering your standing password, you’ll generally be asked for a one-time string of characters sent to your phone, often via text message or special app.
Amazon is among the latest retailers to offer two-step verification. Here is how the e-commerce giant, for example, describes its process. (Find out how to enable the feature.):
You’ll enter your sign in information like you normally would, but then you’ll be prompted to enter a security code. You can receive this security code in a variety of ways depending on the option you select during sign up, including text message, voice call, or authenticator app.
According to a website that lists other sites that offer two-step verification, retailers that offer some form of the security feature include:
- Apple
- eBay
- Etsy
Some banks, investment service providers, email providers and cloud storage companies — among other types of websites — also offer two-step verification.
Do you know of other websites that offer this security feature? Let us know below or on our Facebook page.
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