World Executives Digest | How Can I Turn Off Two Factor Authentication? | Passwords aren’t good enough as security anymore with hackers attacking every 39 seconds. Two-factor authentication or 2FA is now the best way to fight against hacks, data breaches, and cybercrime.
But sometimes 2FA can slow down your work. It will also be a problem if you no longer have your device to verify logins.
Continue reading to learn more about 2FA and how to turn off two-factor authentication.
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Sometimes referred to as 2FA or two-step verification, this is a security process common in many sites. You use two different authentication factors to verify themselves. This protects both your credentials and resources on any site you access.
It provides better protection rather than one passcode. 2FA adds an extra layer of security making it harder for hackers to gain access to your devices. They now need to know both your password and have your device to verify the log-in.
How Does It Work?
Every time you log in to an app or a website, they send you a randomized 6-digit code. You have to use your phone or any other device to see the code. You can also choose to see the code through text or voice call.
What are the Authentication Factors?
There are different ways to get authenticated. Most websites use the knowledge factor while 2FA uses either the possession factor or the inherence factor. Below are the most common authentication factors:
Knowledge Factor
This is something you know and you keep watch of like your password, pin, or some other type of shared secret. This is one of the most common factors but it’s also the easiest to hack. People tend to use accessible information such as their birthdays or anniversaries.
Possession Factor
This factor makes use of what you have such as your ID, cellphone, or security token. It’s a one-time verification to approve your requests to open an account.
Inherence Factor
This is also known as a biometric factor meaning something is naturally part of your physical self. Websites and apps will use your physical characteristics like your fingerprint. You can also use facial or voice recognition to open your account.
Location Factor
Your device checks your particular location and uses your source Internet Protocol. It can also use your Global Positioning System to tell you where you are. Your website or app can only open when you’re in a specific place.
Time Factor
This time of authentication requires the user to input a random code within a short period. It restricts access and logging on to the system outside of that window.
What are the Types of Two-Factor Authentication?
If an app or website does not ask for a password or offer 2FA, there’s a high risk of the app or website of getting hacked. Check out the different types of 2FA to turn your accounts into better and stronger accounts.
Hardware Tokens
A hardware token produces a new numeric code every 30 seconds. You have to glance at your device and enter the displayed 2FA back into the site or app. Other versions can transfer the 2FA code when plugged into your computer’s USB port.
SMS Text Message and Voice-Based
SMS-based 2FA uses your phone to send you a one-time passcode via text. While voice-based 2FA verbally sends a 2FA code using a call. You need to place the one-time code before you can access the site or app.
Software Tokens
This form of 2FA uses a software-generated time-based one-time code. Every time you log-in, the app or website will send you a code to your phone and you have a set time to input it. It can work offline and on any device at any time.
Push Notifications
Websites can now send you a notification telling you that an authentication attempt is taking place. This replaces the sending of receipts and using a 2FA token. You can view the details and either deny or allow the access with a single touch.
This eliminates the opportunity for phishing or having unauthorized access. Push notifications only work with an internet-connected device. This type is more user-friendly and more secure for beginners to 2FA.
Where Can You See Two-Factor Authentication?
Start checking out all your accounts on different websites and apps. You can either turn on or turn off two-factor authentication once you’ve found the option. Below are some common apps with two-factor authentication.
Apple Users
For Apple, your Apple ID plays a big part in your devices if you’re an iOS or Mac user. It accesses your storage, purchases, and memberships. Go to Manage Your Apple ID Page and look for Security.
Under Security, go to Two-Factor Authentication and click Get Started. If you already have 2FA but you want to turn it off, simply tap Turn Off 2 Factor Authentication and click Continue.
Google and Social Media Users
In most social media apps from Facebook to Instagram, you can find the 2FA in your setting under Security. You can choose an SMS text message or an authentication app. To activate or disable 2FA, click on edit.
Google connects your accounts on YouTube to Google Play. Open your Google Account and select Security at the navigation panel. Sign in and click on 2-Step Verification and select Get Started.
Google recommends you use prompts to get push notifications and bases on your device and location. To remove 2FA in your Google account, select Turn off.
Microsoft Users
Microsoft has its services tied together meaning it uses the same account. Some of its services are OneDrive, Skype, Office 365, and Outlook. In the top navigation, go to your Security then click on More Security Options.
Two-step verification will be in the second option and you can choose to Set up an Identity Verification App or Disable. Microsoft will remove trusted devices you haven’t used to log in for two months.
PayPal Users
Paypal is one of the most important apps in making payments so they need to be as secure as possible. Go to your Profile Settings and click on Login and Security. You can choose to get a text message or use an authenticator app.
You can add an extra number or app as a backup to your account in case you lose your phone. To turn off two-factor authentication, click on the number and choose disable.
Should You Turn Off Two-Factor Authentication?
Think twice before you turn off two-factor authentication since it’s the best way to protect your info. If you still want to turn it off, you can check out some multi-factor authentication apps.
Turning off two-factor verification is only the beginning, however. To further understand how to manage your security options, feel free to check out our other blog posts for more guides.
