--- title: Improve Your Online Security with Two-Factor Authentication description: Two-factor identification could be the thing that saves you from being hacked. image: https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Peters_CiscoAnyConnectMFA.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/improve-your-online-security-with-two-factor-authentication#main) [![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png) ![cropped-Ascend-Technologies\_Vertical\_FullColor\_White](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png?width=150&height=118&name=cropped-Ascend-Technologies_Vertical_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) - [Show submenu for Services Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - [Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - [Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - [Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - [Show submenu for Cloud Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - [Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - [Show submenu for Industries Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - [Show submenu for Resources Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - [Services](http://teamascend.com/services/) - Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting - IT Consulting - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/) - Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/) - [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/) - [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/) - [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/) - [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/) - [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/) - [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/) - [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/) - Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure - IT Infrastructure - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/) - [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/) - [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/) - [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/) - [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/) - [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/) - [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/) - Show submenu for Cloud Cloud - Cloud - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/) - [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/) - [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/) - [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/) - [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/) - Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services - Microsoft Services - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/) - [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/) - [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/) - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/) - [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce - Salesforce - [Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/) - [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/) - [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/) - [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/) - [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/) - [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) - Show submenu for Industries Industries - Industries - [Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/) - [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/) - [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/) - [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/) - [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/) - [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/) - Show submenu for Resources Resources - Resources - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/) - [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/) - [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar) - [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - Show submenu for Company Company - Company - [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/) - [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/) - [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) # Improve Your Online Security with Two-Factor Authentication ![Default Author](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Vertical_Blue.png) TEAM ASCEND July 12, 2013 - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/LinkedIn-color%20(1).svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fimprove-your-online-security-with-two-factor-authentication) - [![Facebook](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%203%20(1).svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fimprove-your-online-security-with-two-factor-authentication) - [![Email](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%20427320686.svg)](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EImprove+Your+Online+Security+with+Two-Factor+Authentication%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fimprove-your-online-security-with-two-factor-authentication) ![](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Peters_CiscoAnyConnectMFA.jpg) Several high-profile instances of hacked accounts earlier this year – most notably the AP, CBS, and Burger King Twitter accounts – have shed light on a real problem for news organizations, corporations, and consumers: hackers can access sensitive accounts with relative ease.   In the months following these attacks, two-factor authentication has become more and more common among major online services. Rather than requiring just one password in the login process, two-factor authentication requires two login tokens in order for you to access your accounts. In most instances, the first piece will be your password and the second piece will be a login code that’s either sent to email or SMS or generated at random by an application like Google Authenticator. While jumping through the extra hoop every time you sign into your accounts probably isn’t topping your list of fun and exciting new things to try, it’s a small price to pay for the security gains this feature affords. ## How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication Below is a rundown of steps to achieve two-factor authentication for a few major online services. **Google** 1. Visit Google’s [two-step verification page](http://www.google.com/landing/2step/) and click Get Started 2. Follow the guided setup process 3. Reauthorize any additional devices and/or accounts that use your Google account 4. If there are any computers you would like excluded from two-factor authentication, simply click the check box at the sign-in page to tell Google to trust that PC **Facebook** 1. Login to your Facebook account and click on the [Security tab](https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=security) 2. Under the Login Approvals heading, click on Edit (far right) 3. Check your phone for a security code from Facebook to get started **Microsoft** 1. Log in to your account and visit the [account management page](http://account.live.com/proofs/manage) 2. Click on Select Security Info (left navigation panel) 3. Click on Turn on Two-Step Verification 4. Check your phone for your approval code to get started 5. Choose between receiving login codes via SMS or authorizing a two-step login smartphone application **Dropbox** 1. Sign in to your Dropbox account and go to the [Security tab](https://www.dropbox.com/account#security) 2. Click Change next to Two-Step Verification to enable this feature 3. Choose between MS verification codes or Google Authenticator These are just a few services that support two-factor authentication; you can also enable this feature for Twitter, Amazon, and LastPass among others. Looking for something that manages MFA? [Reach out to talk to an Expert](https://teamascend.com/consultation/) for a no-obligation consultation on the tools and technologies you can leverage for growth. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2733374/d642d48f-f65a-4c45-aa94-29ec149674d1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2733374/d642d48f-f65a-4c45-aa94-29ec149674d1) ### Table of Contents #### Get Insights Sent to Your Inbox ## Related Articles ![How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/software-engineers-collaborating-on-code-in-office-2026-09-21-23-15-07-utc.jpg) ### [How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) September 24, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) ![How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1458786464.jpeg) ### [How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) September 22, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) ![What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/woman-working-from-home-at-desk-with-laptop-2026-03-13-01-57-07-utc.jpg) ### [What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) September 17, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) [![Ascend Technologies](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png?width=200&height=107&name=Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) Contact 833-639-2285 - - - - - - Company - [About](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Services](https://teamascend.com/services/) - [Testimonials](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Partner With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Contact](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - Services - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Salesforce Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) ### Empowering Technology. Powered by People. Technology is critical to businesses across all industries. Today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. At Ascend Technologies, we deliver solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies to Salesforce excellence. And the team? As impressive as the tech. Our practical support is focused on one thing: your success. Let's see what we can do together. [Contact Us](https://teamascend.com/contact/) ©2026 Ascend Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://teamascend.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.teamascend.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 } ] }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-23T17🇲🇲52", "description" : "Two-factor identification could be the thing that saves you from being hacked. ", "name" : "Improve Your Online Security with Two-Factor Authentication", "primaryImageOfPage" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Peters_CiscoAnyConnectMFA.jpg" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Ascend-Technologies-HubSpot-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Ascend Technologies", "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com" }, "url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/improve-your-online-security-with-two-factor-authentication" } ```