2-Factor Authentication: Should you add it to your social media accounts?

In all likelihood, your business or your home are secured with more than just a single door lock. You probably have an alarm, a camera, a second lock, or even a dog to serve as a secondary means of security. You added another layer of safety because you have items of value that you want to protect. Social media is very similar. Your assets online might not be tangible, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable. Should you add 2-factor authentication to your social media accounts? Let’s take a closer look at this important topic.

What is 2-Factor Authentication?

The concept of 2-factor authentication is similar to having a home alarm system to back up your door locks. It’s an added layer of security. Two-factor authentication supplements the use of a password by requiring you to complete a second step to finish logging in. Most social media services, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, offer 2-factor authentication. Most of them require you to connect the account’s login with a phone number. A code is then sent to the primary phone number associated with the social media account. This code must be used within the time limit provided to finish logging in. After this has been done once you can often set the service to “remember” the device used, so the secondary code will only be required when logging in from an unrecognized device.

Why Does it Matter?

Unfortunately, social media accounts get hacked. The loss of a business brand account could spell huge problems for you, no matter the size of your social media presence. A compromised social media account could result in the loss of valuable client information and a break in trust. A business or brand who loses control of their own accounts will lose a lot more than a social media page. It’s just not worth the risk. Secure your social media accounts as tightly as you secure your physical assets.

It might seem like a lot of work to add 2-factor authentication to your many social media accounts, especially if you have multiple users who access those accounts. One way to make this task easier is to leave it to the professionals. The team at Houndstooth Media Group can assist you with all your social media management needs.