If you have several online accounts, chances are you've heard of two-factor authentication (2FA). And while it's a way to secure those accounts, you've probably also heard that it can still be hacked.
No security measure is 100% foolproof. So, we’re here to help you understand the vulnerabilities of 2FA so that you can have the proper security measures in place to prevent yourself from getting hacked.
We looked at the latest reports about 2FA getting hacked or bypassed to understand its vulnerabilities. We then gathered the best security expert tips so you can use 2FA optimally and increase your protection.
The last thing you want is to miss out on crucial steps to increase your security. Keep reading until the end to discover the one thing you should never do with 2FA so you can avoid getting hacked.
How identity thieves hack two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication can be used for various online accounts, such as email, social media, and online banking. Because it adds an extra step to the log-in process, it's an effective way to protect accounts from unauthorized access.
However, there have been reports of hackers bypassing 2FA by using techniques such as:
1. Social engineering
Social engineering is a type of hacking that relies on tricking people into giving confidential information.
For example, a hacker may call the user and pretend to be from the customer service department of a particular company. The hacker would then say that they need to verify the user's identity to reset their password.
The user, not knowing that they're actually speaking to a hacker, would provide the necessary information. The hacker would then use this information to log in to the account and access the data.
2. Shoulder surfing
In this kind of attack, a hacker tries to obtain sensitive information by spying on your device while you use it.
For example, if a hacker already has your password to your email, he or she might access it while you're nearby. When you receive the 2FA code, the hacker will wait for you to open the message to see the code and steal it.
They can do this either in person or by using a hidden camera or other types of surveillance device.
3. Phishing emails or messages
In a phishing attack, the hacker sends an email that appears to be from a trusted source (such as a bank or online service). The email contains a link that instructs you to click on it to authenticate your account.
However, the link actually takes you to a fake website that the hacker controls. If you fall for the phishing attack and you enter your credentials on the fake website, the hacker can simultaneously request access to your actual account.
When you receive the message that gives you your code, and you input it into the fake site, then the hacker can use it to access your real account.
4. Physical attacks
Hackers can also attempt to gain access to your device, whether it be a mobile phone or token generator. By doing this, they can intercept the one-time code that's sent as part of the 2FA process and use it to gain access to your account.
While physical attacks are relatively rare, they can be very difficult to defend against. There are several methods that hackers can use to perform these attacks, including breaking and entering.
In this scenario, the attacker breaks into the victim's home or office to steal your phone or another device that's needed for 2FA. They can also use this method to install malware on your device to capture your 2FA codes.
5. Man-in-the-middle attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyberattack where the hacker intercepts communications between two parties. In a two-factor authentication system, the hacker can position themselves between you and the authentication server to gain access to your account.
By intercepting the communication between you and the server, the hacker can get your 2FA code and gain control of your account.
6. SIM swap
SIM swapping is a type of account takeover fraud that occurs when a hacker contacts your cell phone provider and convinces them to switch your SIM card to a new phone.
This allows the hacker to take over your phone number and use it to access your online accounts. They can then use these accounts to reset the passwords for other accounts, such as your email or social media accounts.
SIM swapping is a serious threat to online security, as it can give hackers access to a wealth of personal information.
7. Brute force log-in attempts
In this kind of attack, hackers try multiple combinations of usernames and passwords using a system until they find the correct one. Once they have access to the account, they can then use the same brute force technique to try and guess the code that's sent to the user's phone.
This can be a time-consuming process, but if the attacker is patient enough, they'll eventually be able to gain access to your account.
8. Open authorization
Open authorization (OAuth) is a protocol that allows third-party apps to access your data without needing your password. By accessing a user's OAuth-enabled account, hackers can generate their own one-time codes and log into the account without your knowledge.
9. Reset attack
This type of attack exploits the fact that many websites allow you to reset your passwords without first verifying your identity.
In other words, all a hacker needs to do is enter your email address or phone number that's associated with an account, and they can then request a password reset without ever having to see your 2FA code.
How 2-factor authentication works
The idea behind two-factor authentication is to add an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide two different pieces of information to access your account.
For example, a common type of two-factor authentication is to require both a password and a code that's sent to your mobile phone. This makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account, as they would need not only your password but also your phone to receive the code.
Other forms of 2FA include fingerprint or hardware tokens that generate codes.
Why 2FA is still important despite its vulnerabilities
In the modern world, data security is more important than ever. With the rise of online banking and other financial transactions, hackers have become increasingly adept at stealing sensitive information.
Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your online accounts from being hacked. Despite the potential vulnerabilities of 2FA, it's still considered to be a strong security measure.
It may not be perfect, but it's far more effective than relying on a single factor, such as a password. While there is no foolproof way to prevent being hacked, there are several steps you can take to increase your protection:
1. Never give out your 2FA codes
It's important never to share your 2FA codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from a trusted source.
Hackers have been known to pose as customer service representatives to obtain 2FA codes, so it's always best to err on the side of caution. If you're unsure whether you should share your code, contact the company directly to verify the request.
2. Use a secure 2FA method
There are many different 2FA methods available, but some are more secure than others. One of the most secure 2FA methods is called Universal Second Factor (U2F).
U2F uses a physical device, such as a USB key, that must be inserted into your computer to log in. This makes it nearly impossible for someone to hack your account, even if they have your password.
3. Keep your devices safe with antivirus software
Hackers often exploit security vulnerabilities in software to gain access to people's computers. Be sure to keep your devices free of malware and viruses. Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it up-to-date.
4. Choose strong passwords
This should be a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and it should be at least eight characters long.
You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker manages to guess your password, they'll then have access to all of your accounts.
It's also important to avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your birthdate.
Pro Tip:
You can use a password manager to help you create and keep track of strong passwords.
5. Be aware of phishing scams
These scams are often difficult to spot, as they often use brand names and logos to create a sense of legitimacy. However, there are some telltale signs of a phishing attempt, including misspellings, grammatical errors, and suspicious links or attachments.
If you receive an email from an unknown sender that includes any of these red flags, don't click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, delete the email and report it to your IT department or internet service provider.
6. Be careful about what information you share online
A lot of people make the mistake of being reckless when it comes to their online behavior. Unfortunately, hackers are becoming increasingly skilled at using social media to gather personal information, and they can sometimes find out a lot about you just by looking at your profile.
So be careful about the amount of personal information you share online. Don't post your address, phone number, or other sensitive information on your profile page.
Additionally, limit the amount of access you give to third-party applications. These apps can often access a lot of your personal data, so only give them permission to access the information that's absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Despite the potential security risks, two-factor authentication is still one of the best ways to protect your online accounts. That being said, it's important to be aware of its vulnerabilities.
If you're using 2FA, make sure you're following the recommended guidelines for setting it up and using it. And be sure to report any suspected vulnerabilities so that they can be fixed.
By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce the chances of your accounts being hacked.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
