Have you noticed the recent proliferation of two-factor authentication, for all types of account logins? This is because we now live in a time where cyber threats, many of which are perpetrated via sophisticated bots, have become increasingly pervasive. This makes securing your online accounts more important than ever.
So, if you manage a WordPress website, understanding what two-factor authentication is and why you should consider implementing it, can help protect to your website against potential cyberattacks.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA, is a method by which account access is protected using two separate forms of identification, referred to as a Knowledge Factor and a Possession Factor.
How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?
An example of how two-factor authentication works is a scenario where you must log in to an online account, having already entered in your username and password, the Knowledge Factor, you will also be required to provide a second piece of information, the Possession Factor. The Possession Factor is typically a unique, one-time code that is sent via text message (SMS) or email. Presumably, only the account holder would have access to the device receiving the Possession Factor.
What makes two-factor authentication so effective is that unauthorized users, even if they knew your username and password, would be unable to access your account because they presumably do not have access to your text messages and/or email.
Why Should Your WordPress Website Have Two-Factor Authentication?
It Enhances Security
As the World’s most popular web publishing platform, WordPress websites have become a common target for hackers. It is for this reason, implementation of two-factor authentication makes complete sense. That is because two-factor authentication makes it incredibly more difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access your website since they would need your login credentials as well as a second “possession factor” of authentication (e.g. a numeric code text messaged to your phone).
It Builds Customer Trust
When you operate a WooCommerce WordPress website, you are handling sensitive customer information. By implementing two-factor authentication (you can do this by installing and activating a WordPress plugin), you are letting your customers know that you take their data protection seriously, thus building trust.
It is Easy to Implement
As mentioned earlier, implementing two-factor authentication is as easy as installing and activating a WordPress plugin. In fact, there are many “FREE” two-factor authentication plugins available such as Google Authenticator, Wordfence and Duo Two-Factor Authentication.
How to Implement Two-Factor Authentication on Your WordPress Website
Install the Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, then mouse over Plugins and click on Add New Plugin. Now, search plugins for 2FA. Click “Install” and then “Activate” the plugin you have selected.
Configure the Plugin Settings
Follow the plugin instructions that describe how to configure the appropriate settings.
Test Your Two-Factor Authentication
After configuration, log out of your WordPress website and then attempt to log back in to ensure that two-factor authentication is working correctly.
As you can see, two-factor authentication is an important step you can take to better secure your WordPress website.
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