Prøve GULL - Gratis
How to use two-factor authentication to lock down your accounts the right way
PCWorld
|January 2023
The best 2FA methods don’t depend ona phone number. Here’s what to use instead.

Ready or not, two-factor R authentication (fave.co/3co510T) is something you'll need to start thinking more about.
This approach to online security, also known as two-step authentication, multifactor authentication, or just 2FA for short, involves combining a regular password with a secondary numeric code, which you must enter on any device where you haven't logged in before. This extra code typically gets sent to your phone, so someone who steals your password can't get into your account unless they have physical access to your phone as well (and know how to unlock it).
The added annoyance of 2FA is well worth the extra security it provides, which is why some tech companies have now started requiring it. Google (fave.co/3Vbq5vy) and Amazon’s Ring (fave.co/3Wfom9W) both made 2FA mandatory last year, and it’s on by default for most Apple IDs (fave.co/3G8FCIt). I’ve also noticed Amazon selectively enforcing 2FA on it apps and website, sending a link to click on via text message when you login on a new device.
While these are all positive steps, the smartest approach to 2FA isn’t merely passive. Many of these 2FA methods work by texting a code to your phone, which is better than nothing but is susceptible to potentially devastating SIM hijacking attacks (fave.co/3WbHZ2N). (The FCC is only now starting to examine that problem; fave. co/3YwAZ25.) And if your phone gets lost or stolen, you’ll want to have a backup 2FA method at the ready.
If you’re ready to take 2FA more seriously, here are some options to consider:
USE AN AUTHENTICATOR APP
Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av PCWorld.
Abonner på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av kuraterte premiumhistorier og over 9000 magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FLERE HISTORIER FRA PCWorld

PCWorld
Instagram might be leaking your location. Here's how to check
Meta could have handled this \"social\" feature better.
1 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
I'm obsessed with Windows 11's secret God mode
A well-kept Windows secret revealed!
1 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
I GOT STARLINK INTERNET AT HOME.IWISHI KNEW THESE 6 DETAILS FIRST
OUT IN THE BOONIES, I'M STARVED FOR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO FAST INTERNET... SO I WENT WITH STARLINK.
6 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
I haven't gotten PC malware in a decade. Here are my 7 secrets
Tips to keep your PC free of malware!
3 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
If my Wi-Fi's not working, here's how I find answers
How I diagnose Wi-Fi problems.
1 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: This 2-in-1 multitasks like a pro
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 mixes a premium-feeling build with solid multitasking chops.
6 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
LAPTOP DESIGNS ARE GETTING WEIRD AGAIN, AND I'M ALL FOR IT
EXPERIMENTS, QUIRKS, AND OPTIONS-THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE LAPTOPS SO INTERESTING.
4 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5: A weird monitor in all the right ways
A small, versatile touchscreen monitor that can be used as a secondary display, attached to a tripod mount, or mounted inside a desktop PC.
9 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
Teamgroup X2 Max: This SSD flash drive is a mighty mite
The size of a small commodity thumb drive, the X2 Max is actually a 10Gbps powerhouse SSD.
5 mins
October 2025

PCWorld
Windows 11 25H2: Meet the exciting features coming to your PC soon
With Windows 11 25H2, Microsoft is providing numerous new features for Windows 11. We show you everything you need to know now.
7 mins
October 2025
Translate
Change font size