The security setting to always turn on

September 23, 2017

By Kim Komando

We have some really good news for you. When it comes to protecting your family, your money and your privacy, there’s one simple tip that will do it all.You’ve been hearing a lot about the dangers lurking in the digital world. At Komando.com, we have been telling you about these very real dangers for years.However, these scary reports are only now becoming fodder for TV news networks, newspapers and websites. You see headlines that scream, “ransomware,” “hackers,” “scams,” “ID theft” and more.Just think about the massive Equifax data breach that has recently dominated the headlines. The fact that at least 143 million people have had their personal information compromised is horrifying.But that is far from the only danger out there. We’ve told you about IRS scams that have cost people like you millions of dollars. There have been ransomware attacks that have shut down life-saving medical equipment.All this is truly scary. Yet, there is one tip that you can simply set up to prevent a lot of cybercrimes from adversely affecting your life.We’ll tell you how to set it up so your favorite sites like Facebook, Google and your bank accounts are protected. All you need to set up this must-have security system is a smartphone and a couple of minutes.

Two-Factor Authentication

You’ve probably heard about two-factor authentication. It’s sometimes called two-step verification or two-step authentication.If you have, make sure you’re using it on all the websites you use. Keep reading for simple tips to set it up.If you haven’t heard of two-factor authentication, or can’t remember exactly what it is, it’s a super-simple function. It will save you money and keep hackers and cybercriminals at bay.It just means that, instead of using one step like a password to protect yourself online, you use two steps. The second step is usually a code sent to your smartphone or home phone – something hackers are not likely to have access to.Do you check your bank balance online? How about your credit cards?If so, you are probably already using two-factor authentication. You log in using your password. Then, you get a message from your bank, or whichever site you’re using. They’ll often automatically call or text your smartphone if they have it on file and provide you with a secret code.This is a great security measure. It’s simple and effective. Why? Hackers don’t have your smartphone. So, when the bank calls you, you know that you’re getting that extra layer of protection.(Image: https://blog.templatetoaster.com/wordpress-two-factor-authentication/)Bonus: Keep reading to find out how to set up two-factor authentication on Facebook and Google.

Facebook Two-Factor Authentication

Hackers and scammers love Facebook. With roughly 2 billion users all connected to one another, it’s a treasure trove of potential victims with money to steal.You may be thinking that sounds like a great exaggeration. But the sad truth is, scammers are stealing your money and ID on Facebook every day.It could be someone pretending to be an old friend or a potential love interest. It could be a bogus website claiming to have FREE airline tickets or something similar.You must protect yourself on the social media giant. Fortunately, Facebook has made it very easy to set up two-factor authentication.Here’s what you must do: Click on the down arrow to the right of your name >> choose Security and Login in the upper-left side of your screen >> scroll down to Use Two-Factor Authentication >> Edit >> choose the method you want to use. Methods: You can have Facebook send your two-factor authentication code in a number of ways, including text messages.

Google Two-Step Verification

You use Google for everything, it seems. Even when you don’t realize it, you’re signed into your Google account.You may be buying airline tickets with your Google account. You may be signing up for a new online account with it, too.Whichever way you’re using Google, be sure to sign into your account and sign up for its Two-Step Verification. Here’s how Google explains this extra layer of security: You use something you know, your password, and something you have, in a secret code sent to your smartphone.Here’s how to set it up: Go to Google’s two-step verification page here >> Get Started >> follow the onscreen, step-by-step instructions.Note: Two-step authentication is available on most popular websites. Be sure to set it up on your favorite sites.