What is 2FA and Why You Should Use it

Everyone hates remembering the passel of passwords required in our daily lives. You have your email password, online banking password, work password, Netflix password… you even need a password to order a pizza! 

It’s gotten to a point where many people use the same password for every online account they have… and who can blame them!

And now there is something we’re being bothered with called 2FA or MFA, also known as Two Factor Authentication or Multi Factor Authentication. This is another layer of security, because apparently our endless myriad of passwords aren’t good enough by themselves.

You’re probably thinking, “just great, one more thing to remember”. I don’t blame you, but the next time you see the little prompt when you log into your bank to turn on this thing called 2FA, you might seriously consider doing it.

What is 2FA?

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is not something to remember like a password. It’s simply a method of making the notorious criminals of the internet lives’ that much harder… and who doesn’t want to do that anyway? 2FA is simply a second form of authentication beyond your password.  

This makes your password the first factor;  what would your second factor be? It could be any other piece of information that you know, such as your childhood nickname. It could be something in your possession, like a phone or usb device; or it could be your own biometric data like a fingerprint or your own beautiful face.

There are a lot of different choices, but for most, it’s simply setting up your phone to receive a text message when you’re logging into your account. You enter your password to login, and you then receive a text message with a special code, which you then enter after your password. There, authentication complete.

Why should I use 2FA?

That way, a crook who obtained your credentials through nefarious means, or guessed that your password was actually “password” all along, will still need something else to take over your account.

You can almost visualize the scene. Harry the Hacker, fresh off his heist of stealing a big corporation’s database full of logins, immediately starts checking to see which accounts he can break into. Without 2FA, he would have no problem making your life miserable with the access he could obtain.

So, the next time you get asked if you want to enable 2FA, give it a serious thought. It just might save you a lot of bother and trouble in the future. And yay, not another password to remember!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.