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Two-Factor Authentication: A Must for Digital Security

By Empower FCU

In today's digital age, cyber threats are constantly evolving. Relying solely on passwords is no longer sufficient - making it essential to implement additional measures to safeguard your sensitive information.  

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - a simple yet powerful digital security tool, is the answer. 

What is Two-Factor Authentication? 

Two-Factor Authentication, or 2FA, is an added layer of security we should all use to ensure unwanted people are not gaining access to personal accounts. A password by itself is no longer a secure login to stop hackers from taking over accounts, especially as we all tend to use the same passwords repeatedly for many different accounts. All it takes is one successful phishing email to steal a password and the hacker can log in. 

By requiring a second method of identification, it is much harder for an attacker to break into your personal account(s). 

This second factor could be many things including but not limited to: 

  • A PIN sent to your email account or mobile device 

  • A physical device such as a smartphone or a security token. 

  • Biometric data, like a fingerprint or facial recognition. 

Why is 2FA Important? 

  • Enhanced Security: The primary benefit of 2FA is that it significantly enhances security. Even if a cybercriminal obtains your password, they will still need the second factor to gain access to your account. 
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that your accounts have an additional layer of security can provide peace of mind, especially when dealing with sensitive information. 

Implementing Two-Factor Authentication at Empower FCU 

At Empower Federal Credit Union, we strongly recommend Two-Factor Authentication for online banking as a security measure, to further protect our members’ accounts. This extra layer of security requires members to complete an extra verification step before a transaction will process.  
 
Our members may select the Two-Factor Authentication options that best meet their needs. For further information and a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up 2FA, watch this video below! 

 

 

Once you’ve installed your 2FA app, follow these steps to secure your account: 

  1. ​​​​Log into Your Account: It might be easier to do this on a separate device like a laptop or tablet for the initial setup, as not all security settings may be available in the mobile app. 
  2. Enable 2FA APP in Your Account Settings: In your account settings, locate the 2FA option and turn it on. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your 2FA app to your account. 
  3. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The app will guide you through the setup process, which may include scanning a QR code or entering a unique code provided by the app. 
  4. Mark 2FA App as Preferred: Once your 2FA app is set up and working, mark it as your preferred method of authentication. 
  5. Disable SMS and Email Authentication: For maximum protection, disable both SMS and email authentication. This ensures your account is secured by the more robust 2FA method. 

Account Protection with Empower FCU 

In a world where cyber threats are ever-present, by requiring two forms of verification, 2FA makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. Implementing 2FA is a crucial step towards safeguarding your digital life – a simple, yet highly effective security measure for account protection. 

Stay safe with Empower FCU and take the extra step with Two-Factor Authentication.