Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by setting up two-factor authentication.

What is two-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication increases the safety of your online accounts by requiring two types of information. The first step is to use your username and password. Instead of immediately gaining access to your account at this point, you will have to provide another piece of information which could be:

• Something you know, such as a PIN or an answer to a security question
• Something you have, like a credit card or a smartphone
• Something you are, like your fingerprint or an iris scan

Sure, the extra step for two-factor authentication may take a little extra time and may be of slight annoyance, but it is well worth it to protect your online accounts.

Are you ready to get started with two-factor authentication?

For your Apple iCloud account

For your Amazon account

For your Google account

For your Facebook account

For your Instagram account

For your YouTube account

For your Microsoft account

For your Yahoo! account

For other online accounts, check out the TwoFactorAuth.org website.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

“Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online,” according to Homeland Security.

“NCSAM 2019 will emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. This year’s overarching message – Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. – will focus on key areas including citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security.” Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month here on the Homeland Security website.

Every weekday in October, we’ll help spread Cybersecurity awareness by sharing an important online safety tip.