It’s no secret that we’re on our devices a lot, mostly due to the restructuring of both work and home life during a global pandemic. On the one hand, our devices have proven to be a godsend in terms of connecting us to each other, whether it be for work or socializing. But, on the other hand, this increase in online activity has provided new opportunities for cybersecurity risks—it’s a heyday for hackers.
Cyberthreats, including phishing, spam, and ransomware attacks are on the rise; data breaches have been steadily increasing in the last two years. With social media usage accounting for a large portion of online activities, it’s worth thinking about protecting your online presence. So how can you ensure your personal information is protected?
Social media providers are implementing two-factor authentication to protect their users, providing a second layer of security beyond just the ol’ username and password login.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication, or multi-factor authentication, strengthens security access to your accounts by requiring two different authentication factors to verify your identity. These factors can include something you know (such as a password) plus something you have (like a phone number or smartphone app) to allow for access.
Why Use Two-Factor Authentication?
By adding two-factor authentication, you’re ensuring a higher level of security than single-factor authentication—such as a password or passcode—can provide. Two-factor authentication is an effective way to protect against security threats that target your account or password such as phishing campaigns, credential exploitations, or scams.
How to Turn on Two-Factor Authentication Within Your Social Media Accounts
We encourage you to enhance your security and take a few minutes to set up this verification process within your social media apps. We’ve compiled the “how-to’s” for the major apps; this step-by-step guide will help simplify this process for you.
To turn on two-factor authentication for Facebook:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
Facebook will offer you the choice of one of these three security methods:
- Tapping your security key on a compatible device.
- Login codes from a third party authentication app (such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator).
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.
To turn on two-factor authentication from the Instagram app:
- Tap your profile picture icon in the bottom right to go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon in the top right, then tap Settings.
- Tap Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication.
- Tap Get Started at the bottom.
- Choose the security method you want to add and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Instagram gives its users the option of two security methods:
- Login codes from a third party authentication app.
- Text message codes from your mobile phone.
To turn on two-step verification for LinkedIn on a mobile device:
- Tap your profile picture > Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Tap the toggle to turn on two-step verification.
- Choose your preferred verification method from the dropdown and click Continue.
LinkedIn will ask you to choose your verification method:
- Authenticator App Verification.
- Phone Number Verification.
To turn on two-factor authentication for Twitter:
- Tap the profile bubble on the top left of your screen.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Security and account access > Security > Two-factor authentication.
From there, Twitter offers you the choice of three security methods:
- Text message (SMS)
- Authentication app
- Security key
TikTok
To set up two-factor authentication for TikTok:
- Tap Profile in the bottom right
- Tap the 3-line icon in the top right.
- Tap Security.
- Change two-step verification from off to on.
TikTok provides the option between:
- Text Message (SMS) or,
- Email account for the verification code to be sent.
One of the simplest ways to outsmart hackers is to set up two-factor authentication on each of your social media channels. Other tips for keeping your information secure: avoid password reuse, update your passwords often, and don’t give out account credentials to anyone who emails or directly messages you (even if they claim to be customer support!).
With the rise in data compromises affecting social media accounts, it makes sense to be proactive about cybersecurity. If your digital space could use some reinforcement, let our social media team provide you with some peace of mind!