How To Implement Two-Factor Authentication For Your Website: Best Practices And Tips

We all want to believe that our 8-digit passcode is a tough wall to break and is sufficient to protect our identity on the web. However, for the majority of Internet scammers, cracking such codes is laughably easy. They can bypass these passcodes within minutes and gain access to your personal data, secret information, or simply your money.

The reality is that we all need alternative methods to protect and verify ourselves on the internet. Implementing two-factor authentication is one reliable way to achieve increased protection; it has been shown to reduce Google account hacks by no less than 50%. You may have heard of it as 2FA or two-step verification, but regardless of the terminology, the technology behind it remains the same.

In this article, we will explore what exactly 2FA is, how it works, and the best practices for its implementation.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security process in which users must provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. It is considered to be more effective compared to regular single-factor authentication (SFA), which typically relies on password or passcode verification. There are several other factors you can choose to implement two-factor authentication:

• SMS
• Email
• Authentication App
• Biometrics
• Location

Many people confuse multi-factor authentication setup with security questions, but these are two completely different things. Two-factor authentication (2FA) has been proven to be more secure, while scammers can easily guess the answers to security questions.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?

The way how to set up two-factor authentication truly depends on the system’s peculiarities. Yet, once you establish a 2FA system, the process of login in or signing up would look like this:

• Input your username and password: Do it upon reaching the website’s login to request account access.
• Wait for an additional verification step: If you add two-factor authentication to the website the system will send the request to affirm your identity and ensure you are not a fraudster.
• Enter the received code: You will then be directed to a second login screen where you must enter the code.
• Wait for the system to analyze the info: The system will compare it to the one that was sent to you.
• Get your access: If the code matches the one provided to you, then you will get access to your account will be granted.

The only disadvantage of two-factor authentication for users is that the process of signing in and logging into the account will get more time-consuming.

Why Should Websites Use Two-Factor Authentication?

The primary reason for implementing two-factor authentication on websites is to provide an additional layer of security for customers. Statistics show that 2FA can prevent 100% of automated bot attacks, 96% of phishing attempts, and nearly 76% of targeted attacks on users’ private information. Therefore, even if scammers manage to breach the first line of defense by cracking the password with bots, they will likely be stopped in their tracks by the second layer of authentication.

What Types of Two-Factor Authentication Can Websites Implement?

There are three the most common types of verification tools used by websites with two-factor authentication steps:

• SMS Authentication: Obtaining your phone number is a difficult task for hackers, making SMS verification a secure method for requesting login access. Despite minor disadvantages such as the need for mobile service or the absence of a second mobile device for usability, it offers a user-friendly experience and the highest level of security.
• Email Verification: The process is simple. After entering the username and password, the user receives an email with a code that needs to be entered or a link to access their account. This step is easy to implement and widely used by websites enabling 2FA.
• Authenticator apps: Some of the most popular apps include Google Authenticator, Authy, Duo Mobile, and Microsoft Authenticator. With a huge advantage of no need for mobile service, it also appears to be the least user-friendly, and the most time-consuming type of how to enable 2fa.

How to Implement Two-Factor Authentication for Your Website: a Short Guide

The security of users should be placed among the top priorities of any company to build loyalty with their client base. Thus, the 2FA is a must-have for any website. So here is a shot guide on how to turn on two-factor authentication on your website:

• Choose a 2FA method: Decide which method of authentication will work best for you.
• Authentication integration: Find your reliable 2FA provider, and integrate their API or plugins into your website’s login system.
• Start user enrollment: Create guidelines to guide your users through the 2FA process.
• Enable 2FA in user accounts: Implement the required backend changes to enable 2FA for user accounts.
• User Interface Modification: Update your website’s login interface to allow users to enter the second factor, such as a code or token.

That’s it, just one thing to be ready for is a more time-consuming process, thus make sure you explain to your users the importance of adding an extra layer of security to websites.

Tips and Best Practices for Implementing a Two-Factor Authentication for a Website

The first and most crucial step to ensure success with a 2FA service is to find a reliable and experienced two-factor authentication service provider. Based on our years of experience, BSG has gathered the following tips for an enhanced 2FA experience:

• Provide your users with multiple options for 2FA methods.
• Ensure that the code format aligns with the requirements of your app or website.
• Offer the option of backup codes in case users lose access.

Lastly, consider choosing BSG World for secure and dependable support services. Our managers will assist you in swiftly and effortlessly integrating our API with your website or application. This will allow you to benefit from features such as configuring SMS content with password templates or custom styles, using ready-made embed codes for seamless integration, and ensuring a quick setup process, even for those without extensive development experience.

Summing Up

So, can 2FA fully protect users’ personal data? Well, it can’t ensure 100% protection from hackers. Neither security method can. Yet implementing two-factor authentication is crucial for user trust and confidence, as it adds an extra layer of defense against hackers and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. So, go ahead and take advantage of 2FA a proactive measure for ensuring online platform safety and integrity.