Thanks for attending today’s class on protecting yourself online with multi-factor authentication (MFA). We covered how MFA works, why it’s crucial for your digital safety, and how you can start using it to protect your personal and financial information.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

What is MFA and 2FA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more ways to verify your identity—something you know (password), something you have (text code or app), or something you are (like a fingerprint). Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simpler version, using just two of these.

Why It’s Important

MFA adds a strong layer of security. Even if someone has your username and password, they still can’t access your account without the second factor, such as a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.

How to Use It

Set up MFA on key accounts like email, banking, and social media. Go to your account settings, look for "Security" or "2-Step Verification," and follow the instructions. For Google accounts, visit myaccount.google.com/security.

Use Authenticator Apps for Extra Protection

Apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate one-time codes that change every 30 seconds. They are more secure than text messages and are preferred by many websites.

Stay Alert and Informed

MFA can protect against phishing, credential theft, and keylogging. Watch out for suspicious emails or login attempts from unknown locations, and change passwords if you suspect a breach.

Taking a few minutes to turn on MFA can save you from identity theft, financial loss, and a lot of stress. Make it a habit to protect all your important accounts today.