What are two-step and two-factor authentication?

02 Dec 2020

blog

Some data breaches result from the theft of a user’s login credentials. To keep your business safe, you need to implement a two-factor or two-step authentication process. These authentication methods may sound the same, but they are two vastly different processes. Read on to learn the differences between two-step authentication and two-factor authentication.

If you want to improve your business’s cybersecurity, you should take a closer look at your authentication process. Two-step and two-factor authentication are two of the most commonly used authentication methods. Many businesses use the terms two-step and two-factor authentication interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two.

Two-step authentication

A two-step authentication process requires a single-factor login (such as a password or biometric reading) as well as another similar type of login credential that a user must provide. This process typically requires entering a password for the first step and entering another security code for the second step, which may be accomplished by providing a one-time code generated by an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator.

Two-step authentication adds an extra step in the verification process, making it more secure than single-step authentication (i.e., providing only a password). However, if a person or business is hacked, it won’t be enough to stop hackers from getting a hold of whatever they are looking for.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication, a subset of multifactor authentication, is significantly more secure than two-step authentication. This type of authentication requires two different types of information to authenticate a user’s identity. For example, it could be a combination of a fingerprint or retinal scan as well as a password or passcode. Because of the additional authentication information required, hackers would have great difficulty breaking into a network using a two-factor authentication system.

Which one is better?

Relying on a single-factor authentication process is no longer sufficient in ensuring the safety of your network. Securing the authentication process and making it difficult for cybercriminals to access your network should be on top of your priorities. Deciding whether to use two-step or two-factor authentication largely depends on your business’s specific security requirements. To take the stress out of securing and protecting your network, call us today for expert cybersecurity advice.

CONTACT US TODAY

Swift Chip provides managed IT and cybersecurity services for a wide variety of companies in fields with stringent privacy and compliance requirements.

Contact Us

Contact Info

LOS ANGELES

10100 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

[email protected] 310-881-8770
Swift Chip, Inc.
5.0
Based on 9 reviews
powered by Google
Adrianna SmithAdrianna Smith
01:52 27 May 22
The team at Swift Chip is responsive, knowledgeable, and super kind! Anytime I have an issue, they are quick to contact me back. Technology issues can be very overwhelming for a business owner, so having them on my team is super helpful to keeping my business operating smoothly!
Gary RotkopGary Rotkop
19:50 08 May 20
Very knowledgeable and professional staff that responded quickly, understood what I needed and resolved the issue economically. I had a very specific technical issue with an integration. Although AJ did not have specific knowledge of this very esoteric software, he managed to figure it out within minutes as we were discussing the problem. Very impressed. Thanks Swift Chip.
Udi BarkaiUdi Barkai
14:38 12 Oct 18
We have been working with SwiftChip for the last four years and have exceptional experience with these guys. In particular we would like to mention their extensive knowledge and outstanding customer service.
Keith R. SpragueKeith R. Sprague
10:46 22 Apr 16
Ken and his staff are great. They are very knowledgeable and always seem to have the answer. Highly Recommend...
Van HaasVan Haas
16:27 21 Oct 15
Ken May and his team at Swift Chip has always done a great job for me and the clients I refer. They are on the ball and are usually flexible with their schedule. They know their stuff and get it done right!
Tina Reed JohnsonTina Reed Johnson
16:46 25 Oct 12
Ken May is a very personable and responsive business owner, who is always ready to assist with computer and mobile issues. Swift Chip has the knowledge and know-how to get the job done, no matter how big or small.
Ken HowerKen Hower
14:03 09 Nov 11
Swift Chip worked on my wife's laptop and made it run better than ever...better than new! Pricing was more than reasonable...Call Ken May at Swift Chip...he's the man!!!

VENTURA

2140 Eastman Ave, #104 Ventura, CA 93003, United States

[email protected] 805-318-8770
Swift Chip, Inc.
5.0
Based on 7 reviews
powered by Google
Robert BrothersRobert Brothers
22:11 24 May 22
Best IT company I've worked with in the last 20 years. Highly recommended!
Kate BernabeKate Bernabe
00:52 16 Nov 21
Jim DeArklandJim DeArkland
22:34 20 Jun 21
always a positive experience!
Tiara PalazuelosTiara Palazuelos
15:11 18 Sep 20
They respond very quickly an are very professional! I'm very happy with the IT services they've provided!
Eric AndersonEric Anderson
17:25 06 May 19