2FA
But what is 2FA?
2FA? You are probably wondering what that could possibly mean. Well, it is simply the English abbreviation for "Two-Factor Authentication", which in French is: Authentification à 2 Facteurs. In other terms, it is a security method that requires two steps to verify a user's identity. Instead of relying on just a single password, 2FA adds an extra layer of security, making access to your accounts more complicated for malicious individuals.
With the rise of cyber threats, passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect your data. 2FA adds a second verification step, aiming to better safeguard your user accounts.
Let’s explore together how 2FA works and why it has become essential for securing your personal and professional accounts.
How does it work?
Le 2FA fonctionne sur le principe de ces trois éléments :
Ce que vous savez : votre mot de passe, un code PIN ou une question de sécurité
Ce que vous avez : un téléphone, un ordinateur, une tablette ou encore une application d'authentification
Ce que vous êtes : empreintes digitales, scanner rétinien, reconnaissance faciale
Vous commencez par entrer votre identifiant et votre mot de passe. Ensuite, vous recevez un code par SMS, par courriel ou via une application. Vous entrez ensuite ce code et vous êtes alors connectés.
The Different Types of 2FA
- SMS Authentication: The code is sent via SMS to the user's phone. This is one of the most common forms but is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks
- Authentication Apps (TOTP): Use of apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator that generate temporary codes
- Physical Security Keys (U2F): Physical devices like YubiKey or Google Titan that must be plugged in to authenticate
- Push Notifications: The user receives a notification on their smartphone (for instance, via Google or Microsoft) and simply approves the connection
- Biometrics: Use of fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris recognition as a second factor for authentication
Why is it essential?
2FA effectively protects against phishing and data breaches: even if your password is compromised, the attacker won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.
It is also essential for securing sensitive information, such as your bank accounts, emails, and social media.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Extra protection | SMS can be intercepted |
| Easy to use | Risks if you lose the second factor (phone, key) |
| Protection against attacks | Repeatedly entering codes |
| More and more services support 2FA | May be costly for small businesses |
How do you activate it?
To enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your accounts:
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Go to your account’s security settings (Google, Facebook, Apple, etc.)
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Enable two-factor authentication
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Choose your preferred method (SMS, app, security key)
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Follow the instructions to complete the setup and test your login
⚠️ Important: Make sure to write down your backup codes in a safe place to avoid being locked out, and regularly update your phone number and email address to ensure secure access.
Are we already heading toward Three-Factor Authentication (3FA)?
Even though 2FA is still relatively new, it could evolve into three-factor authentication (3FA). The idea would be to add a biometric factor, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, or even more advanced technologies.
But… isn’t there a risk of making account access too complicated? If logging in required too many steps, it could quickly become a burden for users. The goal remains to strengthen security without sacrificing ease of use.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to rise, 2FA has become an essential tool for protecting online accounts. By adding an extra layer of security, it significantly reduces the risks associated with password theft and malicious attacks.
2FA is also considered a strong security measure, strongly recommended by the GDPR and the Swiss nLPD. Implementing it helps organizations demonstrate compliance with data protection requirements by strengthening safeguards against unauthorized access and data breaches.
If you haven’t already, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your most sensitive accounts (emails, social networks, banking services…). It only takes a few minutes but can make a huge difference in terms of security!
Need help? Check out these resources to activate 2FA on different platforms:
➡️ 2FA activation guide for Google
➡️ Set up 2FA on Apple
Protecting your data has never been easier, so why wait? 😉
