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Step-by-step guides for setting up two-factor authentication on your social channels.
This becomes a threat if a current password is out on the dark web.
And frankly, I dont think I will be able to renew my 250+ passwords on a schedule.
Two-Factor Authentication: Whats & Whys?
Scams are everywhere, and a few are so cleverly crafted that its next to impossible to spot them.
The thing is, we click a lot.
This is a typical phishing scam which makes the factor of password strength irrelevant.
Consequently, we need an additional layer of security.
Welcome, Two Factor Authentication!
First, not all online platforms allow parameters 2FA.
But when they do, you should configure it without any delay.
This advice goes with every personally and professionally significant online presence.
Besides, Ill be usingMicrosoft Authenticatorfor this tutorial.
How to use Microsoft Authenticator?
Available for iOS and Android devices, Microsoft Authenticator can be used without a Microsoft account.
Adding any account is extremely simple.
One just has to tap the + icon and select theOther (Google, Facebook, etc.
)for all the non-Microsoft accounts.
Lastly, one can scan the barcode from the subject platform or enter the code.
Importantly, these codes can be transferred to other devices if you turn on backup upfront.
So that was a quick brush-up on using Microsofts authentication system.
Now, lets start the 2FA tutorial, starting with the Google account.
Setting 2FA on Gmail
Gmail has no separate 2FA.
Instead, you could turn it on for your entire Google Account.
First, sign in to Google.
Next, visitmyGoogleAccount, and clickSecurityin the left pane.
Scroll down and click theAuthenticator app.
you might confirm the 2FA registration on the final screen.
Finally, enterSettingsinto the subsequent screen.
ClickSee more in Account Centre.
For instance, I have connected my Facebook and Instagram profiles to the Meta account center.
This way, I can tweak prefs for both accounts in one place.
Now clickPassword and securityandTwo-factor authenticationon the next screen.
Click your Facebook profile, select any one of the preferred methods, and clickNexton the following screen.
I have chosen the Authentication app.
Now add the account by scanning the QR code on the next tab.
So, that was activating Facebook 2FA on the web.
Lets see how you would do that on your smartphone.
On the Smartphone
The process is very similar to the web.
fire up the Facebook program and tap on theMenuon the bottom right.
Tap the gear icon andSee more in Account Centreon the following screen.
EnterPassword and security, thenTwo-factor authentication, and finally, tap on the subject account.
As we did on the web, grab the authentication medium.
Alternatively, tap theCopy keyto have the pairing code in the clipboard.
Open Microsoft Authenticator and add the Facebook account by using the manual code entry option.
Finally, enter the OTP to activate the 2FA.
Start by logging into your Instagram account.
hit the hamburger icon on the bottom left and enterSettings.
Now clickSee more in Accounts Center.
This lands you in the Meta Control Centre we have seen with Facebook.
launch the Instagram smartphone software and tap the profile icon on the bottom right.
Now tap the hamburger icon on the top right and enterSettings and privacyon the following pop-over.
TapAccount Center, thenPassword and security, and finally,Two-factor authentication.
go for the Instagram profile, and choose theAuthentication appas the security method.
The final step will be pasting the OTP into Instagram to confirm the 2FA registration.
Therefore, well be calling that platform by its former name.
Open your Twitter profile in a web web app and clickMorein the left pane.
Now clickSettings and Supportin the pop-over andSettings and privacyin the drop-down.
EnterSecurity and account accessandSecuritysubsequently.
Now smack the checkbox against theAuthentication app.
ClickGet startedon the popup and scan the QR code with the Microsoft Authenticator app on the next screen.
Alternatively, one can click theCant scan the QR code?to get the key.
Lastly, enter the OTP from the authentication app to confirm the Twitter 2FA registration.
Setting 2FA on the Twitter smartphone software is pretty similar to its web interface.
pop kick open the Twitter utility and tap over your avatar on the top left.
Now tap onSettings and Supportand thenSettings and privacyfrom the drop-down menu.
Next, tap onSecurity and account accessto tweak the 2FA configuration.
Now tapSecurity, thenTwo-factor authentication, and toggle on theAuthentication app.
The last screen is where you might Link the app directly.
It normally takes you to the installed authentication app.
The last step is entering the OTP to validate the 2FA pairing.
Start by logging into your Amazon account and hovering over the top right item mentioned asAccount & Lists.
ClickYour Accountfrom the drop-down menu.
Afterward, clickTurn onagainst the2-step verificationtab.
Now click onAdd new phone or Authentication App, and ensure the Authentication app option is selected.
The final screen will show 1 app enrolled under the Authenticator app.
kick off the Amazon tool and tapYour Accountin the profile section.
Then tapLogin & securityandTurn onthe next screen.
Next, tapAdd new phone or Authenticator App.
There are others!
Microsoft Authenticator is a fantastic app and works flawlessly.
However, there are others you could check out in this list oftwo-factor authentication apps.
But I would not end this conclusion without telling you about the program I use personally, Zoho OneAuth.
Use 2FA, and stay safe!
