Some might say “it’s about time” and they may be right. The world’s biggest online retailer has just upgraded its basic security for millions of Amazon customers by enabling two-factor authentication.
Passwords are passe`. As hacking techniques get more and more sophisticated with each passing day, the most basic platforms of authentication and security needs to keep up. In a move that may have other prominent websites also implement an increased layer of security, Amazon has finally switched on two-factor authentication or 2FA.
Two-factor authentication has been used by banks and financial institutions for years, enabling customers to get accustomed to increased security practices and seeing it as the norm. Although a good, secure password goes a long way in keeping away intruders and snoopers from your account, two-factor authentication will add an extra layer of security to your online account by requiring you to physically have access to your phone in order to access a one-time passcode. Alternatively, two-factor authentication also works from an exclusive standalone application such as Authy or Google’s Authenticator. Quite simply, your password alone isn’t enough to authenticate your account.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication on your Amazon Account
To enable your account with better security, simply login to your Amazon account and click “Your Account”. Now, look for “Change Account Settings,” before selecting “Advanced Account Settings.”
With this window now open, proceed to click “Get Started.”
To authenticate the switch, you will be required to login again before adding Amazon.com to a variety of two-factor authentication apps such as Google’s Authenticator and cloud-based Authy, among others.
Related article: It’s #2FactorTuesday. It’s Time to Embrace Security
A multitude of popular websites already offer two-factor authentication as a feature and lifars.completely recommends you switch it on. Several popular websites include Facebook, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Twitter, Steam, Dropbox among others.
Most, if not all of the above can be accessed with a one-time password sent to your mobile device or alternatively, a passcode (usually numbers) that is delivered to your authenticator application.
Amazon even offers a backup method for those who have trouble when their primary authentication device fails. The retailing giant certainly has a sense of timing in offering 2FA with the upcoming holiday season and the Black Friday sale. Even though Amazon is late among the most popular websites adopting 2FA, better late than never.
