What is Two-Step Verification?

Two-step verification is a way to make your online accounts more secure from hackers. It is offered by more and more websites and applications, but how exactly does it work? In this article, we explain what two-step verification is and why it is important. We also briefly explain two-factor authentication, which is the next step in online security. Finally, we will tell you more about the safety of these methods.

What is Two-Step Verification?

Two-step verification or 'two-step verification' is a method by which the identity of a user is established by means of two different components. Because it requires multiple 'proofs' of your identity, two-step verification is a form of multi-factor authentication. A well-known example of two-step verification can be found at ATMs. First of all, you provide your identity by entering your bank card. The second step in the verification process is your PIN code. So it takes two components to confirm your identity. Two-step verification is therefore not only done online.

Another example of two-step verification is used by DigiD. One of the ways you can use it to log in is with a check via SMS. In the first step you log in with your username and password and then you need to confirm your identity with a one-time code that is sent to your phone.

What is Two Factor Authentication?

The terms two-factor authentication and two-factor authentication are often used interchangeably. They are therefore very similar. Both forms of security require two different factors to confirm your identity. They are also both designed to keep hackers and cyber criminals out of their users' accounts. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is, as it were, the younger brother of two-step verification. It works just like two-step verification, but has longer codes, uses more locations, and has some additional features.

An example of the newer two-factor authentication can be found on the newer iPhones. There you can choose to unlock your smartphone with your fingerprint or by means of a face scan. This extra authentication is very difficult to crack for hackers. After all, you need information (a code or password) and specific physical characteristics (your fingerprint or face).

Why is 2-step verification important?

We live in a digital age in which more and more companies and institutions offer their services online. Parallel to the number of online accounts you have, the risk of hacking such accounts also increases. Hackers and viruses are increasingly (automatically) looking for your login details. In addition, people often use the same login names and passwords due to the increasing number of online accounts . As a result, a break-in in online service “A” can lead to a risk for the account on online service “B”.

Two-step verification and two-factor authentication can prevent this. By enabling a second verification method, you make it much more difficult for hackers to steal your data. After all, hackers who have managed to obtain your login details will not be able to gain access to your account with two-step verification. They don't have the second code. Moreover, if you have used them more often on other platforms, those login details are also useless if 2FA is present on those platforms.

Is Two-Step Verification Secure?

With two-step verification and two-factor authentication, the security of your online account increases. A hacker or virus cannot gain access to your account with just your login name and password. The extent to which the two-factor authentication increases your security also strongly depends on the security of the second component. For example, if the second component is code via email, a hacker who has already broken into your computer may have little trouble cracking the second factor. However, if an SMS is sent to your mobile phone, it will be a lot more difficult for the hacker to log in to your account. After all, the hacker not only needs access to your computer, but also access to your mobile phone.

Two-step verification is an extra layer of protection for your (online) accounts. So it is certainly safe, although the level of extra security it offers depends on how the system is arranged. When using two-factor or two-factor authentication, always try to use different types of information to secure your account. With a password on your computer and a code sent via your phone, you are already a lot safer than if someone can log in by only using information on one device.