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One of the worst things about password protection is the people who create them.

Though corporate security systems are growing stronger, the human factor hasn’t changed. People don’t always want to remember passwords, especially since everyone from the bank to the hardware store now requires one to keep from going the way of Target, Sony, The Home Depot, or other prominent breaches.

That attitude explains why favorite passwords continue to be maddeningly simple like the classics “123456,” “password” or “qwerty.”

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Companies can continue to require these mostly antiquated measures, or they can try other methods involving text message service.

This latter path can go beyond simply logging into the same account on your mobile device with the same password. It can use a sms platform to provide text authentication methods that can help companies stay secure while also minimizing the ‘human’ potential to want to cut corners.

The process is called two-factor authentication, and you’ve likely encountered it if you’ve ever registered for a new account or requested a new password.

When this happens, you’re often texted a passcode, which you must enter to verify it’s really you. You usually have about 10 minutes to confirm your identity or pick a new password before the code expires.

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, requires another element besides user ID and password, since these combos aren’t always tough for criminals to guess, hack or steal. Impostors might have one or both of these, but they rarely will also have your phone.

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It essentially bypasses the constant circle of “we need more security to be less vulnerable and better protect our customers” and “I hate this security and don’t want to do it anymore” and makes something the process easier and safer.

Why 2FA works

• It’s easy to set up. A text message service like Trumpia can provide authentication for your company which can be easily integrated with Trumpia’s API. This will be appreciated by your IT team, especially when they find out that no apps or extra hardware is needed.
  
  
• It’s always ‘on.’ The sms platform and authentication process with many sms platform providers is automated, so you don’t need customer service/security people working around the clock sending out texts and verifying identities. The sms send platform  also can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
  
  

Why You Need 2FA

• Your customers will appreciate it. With so many publicized breaches, customers are increasingly cautious where and how they do business online, whether it’s sharing personal info or performing financial transactions. Michael Cooney from PC World said there are even security risks to sharing info via phone, unless extra measures like 2FA are taken. Good text message marketing can reassure customers that precautions are in place.
  
  
• It defends your sensitive areas. In addition to worrying about someone fraudulently accessing customer info, you also should be concerned about your site’s vulnerabilities especially if all it takes to get through is a password and user name. If someone accesses these areas, they can not only view or take restricted info but change your security settings, blocking normal users or allowing in other unauthorized users.
  
  
• It reduces phishing risk. The ‘human factor’ is also what causes employees to click on false sites or emails thinking they’re legitimate. This can introduce malware into yours system, or worse, ransomware, which can encrypt your network until you pay. A strong security policy and employee education can help reduce these risks, along with authentication.
  
  

Two-factor authentication can be used for a wide variety of industries.

• Health care. Providers can face stiff penalties for disclosing patient information without permission, while at the same time, health care officers are communicating in new methods, especially mobile devices and cloud storage. According to the American Health Information Management Association, it’s critical that every patient’s medical profiles be kept confidential and the safest way to do so is with multi-factor authentication.
  
  
• Financial. When people’s money is at stake, it’s vital that customers feel secure at an institution; otherwise they’ll find a place that has a better reputation and safety record. Two-factor authentication could be used not just at registration but with every log-in or transaction. Interestingly, Bank of America advises customers that bank officials might send texts once in awhile but will never request personal or financial information. If a text looks like it comes from the bank seeking this info, it’s false.
  
  
• Government. It’s too late for the Office of Personnel Management, which suffered at least one significant breach of confidential information about current and retired employees. But this led to an increased focus and mobilization of security at many federal departments plus contractors and vendors. Two-factor authentication can require every site user to create a unique ID.
  
  

For more strategies to easily integrate 2FA into your security plan and mobile text marketing, visit Trumpia.com.