Two-Factor Authentication — The second lock

A stolen password gets the thief to the door. Two-factor authentication (2FA) means there is a second door, and the key is in your pocket. After entering your password, you confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Two steps. Two barriers.

• Enable 2FA on email, banking, and social media accounts. These are the three highest-value targets.
• App-based codes (like Google Authenticator) are more secure than SMS codes, which can be intercepted.