Secure your data in the cloud with two-factor authentication – The Dallas Morning News

A reader named Herb emailed today with one simple question: Just read of someone stealing info from iCloud. Is it safe?

I sent Herb a quick response, but then I decided that its time for a refresher about cloud security.

There are no guarantees when it comes to online security, but as more of our lives and documents and financial dealings are happening online, it behooves us to do all we can to keep that data safe.

This might include occasionally changing your passwords and not reusing passwords on multiple sites (Im guilty of this).

There are also varying levels of security. Whenever we talk about cloud storage, from services like Apples iCloud, Googles Drive or Microsofts OneDrive (and others), I immediately think of what type of things Im choosing to store in the cloud.

We rely on those big companies to keep our data safe, and to do that we need to take advantage of all the safeguards they offer.

Besides a strong, unique password, the best thing you can do is take advantage of two-factor authentication (2FA).

With 2FA enabled on a service like iCloud, youll be asked to register your cellphone number.

From then on, when you log in to access iCloud documents or services, youll need your Apple ID and the password, and Apple will send a message to your phone with a six-digit code. You have to enter that code to complete the login.

So now your account is doubly protected because a would-be hacker needs your Apple ID, your password and your phone to receive the code.

I think thats a pretty safe system.

You need to enroll in 2FA for all your online services. Some companies, like Apple, really push you into setting up 2FA. For others, you may need to dig around in your account settings to find it.

Ive set up 2FA everywhere I can, especially where I have files stored or perform financial transactions.

Every service has a slightly different way of going about 2FA, so be sure to read all the fine print before you choose to enroll.

For instance, Apple users who enable 2FA only have two weeks to change their mind and turn it off if they dont like it.

You really should take an afternoon to go through your online accounts, change passwords and look into enabling security measures that are available.

I know Im overdue to review mine.

If you would like to read more about 2FA from Apple, Google and Microsoft, see the links below.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915

https://www.google.com/landing/2step/

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/how-to-use-two-step-verification-with-your-microsoft-account-c7910146-672f-01e9-50a0-93b4585e7eb4

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Secure your data in the cloud with two-factor authentication - The Dallas Morning News

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