What Are The 4 Types of 2FA Methods?

Do you find it a hassle to have to create unique passwords for each of your online accounts?

Do you have concerns about how safe your private information is? Relax, buddy! Thanks to two-factor authentication (2FA), things are looking up. You may make it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts by using two-factor authentication. Yet, it might be difficult to determine which sort of 2FA method to employ due to the wide variety of options accessible.

Don't worry; everything will be taken care of. Learn about the four main categories of two-factor authentication techniques and how they each function so you can pick the best one for your needs.

Well, then let's start swimming!

What is 2FA?

When you use two-factor authentication (2FA), you and your online accounts are protected in two distinct ways. To confirm your identity, you'll need to use a combination of something you know (like a password) and something you have (such a physical token) (such as a mobile device). Even if hackers obtain your password, this makes it more difficult for them to access your accounts.

If a hacker obtains your password but lacks 2FA, they can simply access your account, take your data, and use it for their own malicious purposes. With two-factor authentication (2FA), however, even if a hacker gets a hold of your password, they still won't be able to access your account without the second factor, which might be anything from a code delivered to your mobile device to a fingerprint scan or a physical security key.

In a nutshell, two-factor authentication (2FA) strengthens the protection of your online accounts by making it more difficult for hackers to break in and steal your data.

The types of 2FA

Here's a summary of each type of 2FA you should know about:

1. Knowledge-based authentication (KBA) - One of the most frequent types of two-factor authentication (2FA) is knowledge-based authentication (KBA), which requires the user to respond correctly to a set of security questions.
2. SMS-based authentication - Two-factor authentication (2FA) via short messaging service (SMS) texts adds another degree of protection. When you try to log in to your account using SMS-based authentication, a code is given to your mobile device through text message.
3. Time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication - Using a code produced by an app on your mobile device, time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication provides an additional layer of security beyond a traditional password.
4. Push notification-based authentication - When you try to log in to your account, a push notification is sent to your registered mobile device as a form of two-factor authentication (2FA).

Now, we'll explore each type in more detail...

Type #1: Knowledge-based authentication (KBA)

One of the most frequent types of two-factor authentication (2FA) is knowledge-based authentication (KBA), which requires the user to respond correctly to a set of security questions. You'll need to pick a few questions from a list and supply answers to them when you first set up KBA. You may be asked to answer one of these questions the next time you log in to your account.

Although KBA is simple to implement and use, it is not the safest type of 2FA. The main issue with KBA is that it is often possible to find the answers to security inquiries through public data, social media, and other sources. Common security questions include things like "what was your first school?" or "who was your favourite teacher?" that a hacker might be able to use to gain access to your account.

Most KBA questions are also multiple-choice, making it easy for a hacker to guess the right answer through trial and error. The answers to security questions are often so inadequately crafted that they can be easily guessed or retrieved by brute force assaults.

While KBA is certainly an improvement over no 2FA at all, it is far from perfect. Use it as a secondary authentication method or when none of the other alternatives are feasible.

Type #2: SMS-based authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) via short messaging service (SMS) texts adds another degree of protection. When you try to log in to your account using SMS-based authentication, a code is given to your mobile device through text message. After getting the code, type it into the login page's corresponding field to confirm your identity.

There are security concerns with SMS-based authentication, despite its ease of use and convenience. One major issue is that an attacker might potentially intercept your text messages and use them to access your account and sensitive code. Social engineering, SIM switching, and other methods give hackers access to your phone number and allow them to read your text messages.

As if that weren't enough, SMS-based authentication isn't always rock-solid. It's annoying when SMS messages are late or don't arrive at all, especially if you need to log in to your account immediately.

With two-factor authentication (2FA), SMS-based authentication is adequate if you have no other options, but it is not the most secure way. Protecting your phone number is essential if you intend to utilise SMS-based authentication, so make sure you create a complex password and turn on two-factor authentication with your mobile provider.

Type #3: Time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication

Using a code produced by an app on your mobile device, time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication provides an additional layer of security beyond a traditional password. To access your account, you'll need to provide a unique code that varies every few seconds. The app and the service you're trying to access communicate with one another to produce a single, unique code.

Codes generated by TOTP authentication are more secure than KBA and SMS-based authentication due to their uniqueness and short validity. Even if a hacker gets a hold of your code, they won't be able to use it to access your account because it will have already expired.

TOTP authentication's primary benefit is that it can be used even if the user doesn't have access to the internet. Aside from initial setup, the app's code-generating functionality works even when you're not connected to the internet.

Security flaws exist, however, and TOTP authentication is not completely secure. A hacker, for instance, might be able to steal your TOTP codes if they acquire access to your mobile device. There are some phoney TOTP apps out there that can compromise your security, so it's crucial to make sure the one you're using is legitimate.

The One-Time Password (TOTP) authentication is a solid two-factor authentication solution to employ in most scenarios. Just make sure you pick a trustworthy TOTP app and take precautions to keep your mobile device secure.

Type #4: Push notification-based authentication

When you try to log in to your account, a push notification is sent to your registered mobile device as a form of two-factor authentication (2FA). Just approving the push notice acts as final verification that you are the legitimate account holder.

With two-factor authentication (2FA), push notification-based authentication is among the most practical and straightforward options. There is no need to enter a code, and everything goes smoothly and quickly. Push notifications are encrypted and therefore safe against interception by malicious parties.

The use of push notifications for authentication has some drawbacks, though. For instance, it counts on a constant internet connection, which isn't always available. Furthermore, if you receive a huge number of push alerts, it may be bothersome or disruptive. Finally, accounts that need a lot of security might not be a good fit for push notification-based authentication because it doesn't offer nearly as much security as TOTP authentication.

If you're looking for a simple and convenient two-factor authentication approach, push notification-based authentication is your best bet. In addition to the usual precautions, such as using a passcode or biometric identification, you should also select a reliable push notification service and ensure that your mobile device is secure.

Conclusion

Looking to download the best 2FA app? Check out the Best 2FA apps that we found!

When it comes to the safety of your online accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA) can't be overstated. Knowledge-based authentication (KBA), short message service (SMS) authentication, time-based one-time password (TOTP) authentication, and push notification-based authentication are the four types of 2FA methods we've covered in this piece, along with their benefits and drawbacks.

Although there are benefits and drawbacks to each approach, selecting the best one depends on the user's requirements and desired level of security. TOTP and push notification-based authentication provide higher degrees of security and are suggested for more sensitive accounts, whereas KBA and SMS-based authentication may be suited for low-risk accounts or as a secondary type of authentication.

Keep in mind that if you care about the safety and privacy of your online accounts, implementing 2FA is a must. You should use two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it's available, and pick a technique that's convenient for you. Be cautious when using the internet.