{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-dictionary-term-tsx","path":"/dictionary/authentication","result":{"data":{"contentfulDictionaryTerm":{"title":"Authentication","slug":"authentication","descriptionMeta":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"rawMarkdownBody":"Authentication is crucial for protecting your online accounts. Using methods like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and One-Time Passwords (OTP) verify your identity and keep it secure. Cybersecurity software like Guardio adds extra protection by blocking dangerous websites, malicious links, and phishing attempts. Learn how these measures keep you safe online."}},"body":{"body":"# Online authentication and its importance\nNowadays, securing your online accounts and devices is more critical than ever. Authentication, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are essential methods for protecting your information. To put it simply, these methods help verify your identity to ensure that only you can access your sensitive data.\n\n\n\n## Authentication\nTo gain access to websites, devices, or apps, users must prove their identity. This involves verifying something they know, such as a password, PIN, or security combination; something they have, like a smart card, RSA SecureID FOD, or USB drive; or something they are, which includes biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, or voice recognition.\n\nHere are some common methods to [enhance your security](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans Page\") while online: \n\n## One-time password (OTP)\nA One-time password (OTP) is an automatically generated numeric or alphanumeric string of characters that authenticates a user to allow them to log in only one time. OTPs are often used when resetting a password or setting up a password for the first time. They provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that the authentication code can only be used once, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.\n\n## Two-factor authentication (2FA)\nTwo-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by using more than one method to verify one’s identity. For example, after entering a username and password (single-factor authentication), the user might also need to answer security questions or provide a code sent by email or text message.\n\n## Multi-factor authentication (MFA)\nMulti-factor authentication (MFA) is an even stronger security measure that requires at least three types of verification to access an account or system. Unlike 2FA, which uses two methods, MFA might require a combination of a password (something you know), a smartphone (something you have), and a fingerprint (biometrics - body measurements). This makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult.\n\nWhile 2FA and MFA are important steps in protecting yourself online, adding cybersecurity software like [Guardio](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans Page\") offers an extra layer of protection. Guardio helps safeguard your online activities by blocking malicious websites, detecting phishing attempts, and providing real-time protection against various cyber threats. With [Guardio](https://guard.io/plans \"Guardio Plans Page\"), you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your personal and financial information is secure from cybercriminals.\n","childMarkdownRemark":{"htmlAst":{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"h1","properties":{"id":"online-authentication-and-its-importance","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Online authentication and its importance"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#online-authentication-and-its-importance","ariaLabel":"online authentication and its importance permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Nowadays, securing your online accounts and devices is more critical than ever. Authentication, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are essential methods for protecting your information. To put it simply, these methods help verify your identity to ensure that only you can access your sensitive data."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-wrapper"],"style":"position: relative; display: block; ; max-width: 500px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n "},{"type":"element","tagName":"span","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-background-image"],"style":"padding-bottom: 55.8%; position: relative; bottom: 0; left: 0; background-image: url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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'); background-size: cover; display: block;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"\n "},{"type":"element","tagName":"img","properties":{"className":["gatsby-resp-image-image"],"style":"width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; vertical-align: middle; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 0px 400px white;","alt":"Authentication methods","title":"","src":"https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/5609a359hfXH5GfBXDEUsV/4a5d5fa32a820f499d019cb7eb2a55a6/shutterstock_2432867329-min.jpg","srcSet":["https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/5609a359hfXH5GfBXDEUsV/4a5d5fa32a820f499d019cb7eb2a55a6/shutterstock_2432867329-min.jpg?w=125 125w","https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/5609a359hfXH5GfBXDEUsV/4a5d5fa32a820f499d019cb7eb2a55a6/shutterstock_2432867329-min.jpg?w=250 250w","https://images.ctfassets.net/18tcvm6gnkis/5609a359hfXH5GfBXDEUsV/4a5d5fa32a820f499d019cb7eb2a55a6/shutterstock_2432867329-min.jpg?w=500 500w"],"sizes":"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px","loading":"lazy"},"children":[]},{"type":"text","value":"\n "}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n "}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"authentication","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Authentication"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#authentication","ariaLabel":"authentication permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"To gain access to websites, devices, or apps, users must prove their identity. This involves verifying something they know, such as a password, PIN, or security combination; something they have, like a smart card, RSA SecureID FOD, or USB drive; or something they are, which includes biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, or voice recognition."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Here are some common methods to "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans Page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"enhance your security"}]},{"type":"text","value":" while online:"}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"one-time-password-otp","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"One-time password (OTP)"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#one-time-password-otp","ariaLabel":"one time password otp permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"A One-time password (OTP) is an automatically generated numeric or alphanumeric string of characters that authenticates a user to allow them to log in only one time. OTPs are often used when resetting a password or setting up a password for the first time. They provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that the authentication code can only be used once, reducing the risk of unauthorized access."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"two-factor-authentication-2fa","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Two-factor authentication (2FA)"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#two-factor-authentication-2fa","ariaLabel":"two factor authentication 2fa permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by using more than one method to verify one’s identity. For example, after entering a username and password (single-factor authentication), the user might also need to answer security questions or provide a code sent by email or text message."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"h2","properties":{"id":"multi-factor-authentication-mfa","style":"position:relative;"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Multi-factor authentication (MFA)"},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"#multi-factor-authentication-mfa","ariaLabel":"multi factor authentication mfa permalink","className":["anchor","after"]},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"svg","properties":{"ariaHidden":"true","focusable":"false","height":"16","version":"1.1","viewBox":"0 0 16 16","width":"16"},"children":[{"type":"element","tagName":"path","properties":{"fillRule":"evenodd","d":"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an even stronger security measure that requires at least three types of verification to access an account or system. Unlike 2FA, which uses two methods, MFA might require a combination of a password (something you know), a smartphone (something you have), and a fingerprint (biometrics - body measurements). This makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult."}]},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"element","tagName":"p","properties":{},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"While 2FA and MFA are important steps in protecting yourself online, adding cybersecurity software like "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans Page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Guardio"}]},{"type":"text","value":" offers an extra layer of protection. Guardio helps safeguard your online activities by blocking malicious websites, detecting phishing attempts, and providing real-time protection against various cyber threats. With "},{"type":"element","tagName":"a","properties":{"href":"https://guard.io/plans","title":"Guardio Plans Page"},"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Guardio"}]},{"type":"text","value":", you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your personal and financial information is secure from cybercriminals."}]}],"data":{"quirksMode":false}}}}}},"pageContext":{"title":"Authentication","slug":"authentication","keepLearning":[{"title":"Autorun worm","slug":"autorun-worm"},{"title":"Backdoor Trojan","slug":"backdoor-trojan"},{"title":"Blacklist","slug":"blacklist"}],"breadcrumb":{"location":"/dictionary/authentication","crumbs":[{"pathname":"/","crumbLabel":"Homepage"},{"pathname":"/dictionary","crumbLabel":"dictionary"},{"pathname":"/dictionary/authentication","crumbLabel":"authentication"}]}}},"staticQueryHashes":["1614255152"]}