Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an essential defense against cyber attacks, especially in Brazil, which is a frequent target for hackers.

In the second half of 2023, Brazil suffered 357,422 attacks, an increase of 8.86% compared to the same period the previous year, leaving its digital security at risk and vulnerable. 

According to a recent Threat Intelligence Report, the average duration of each attack is 29 minutes.  

Compared to other Latin American countries, Brazil suffered around 4.3 times more attacks than Argentina, in second place with 82,749 attacks, and around 4.6 times more than Peru, the third most attacked country with 74,531.  

Globally, Brazil is the second most attacked country, behind the United States, with 1,168,456 attacks, and followed by South Korea, with 333,516 records. 

How two-factor authentication contributes to your digital security 

This significant increase in attacks highlights the urgent need to strengthen digital defenses. Two-factor authentication (2FA) acts as an extra shield - a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.  

Instead of just entering a password, 2FA requires two forms of verification: something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a code sent to your phone).  

This makes it difficult for cybercriminals to access your account, even if they discover your password. 

Why is two-factor authentication important? 

• Additional protection: Passwords can be stolen or hacked. 2FA adds an extra barrier, making life much more difficult for hackers. 
• Fraud prevention: With 2FA, even if a criminal obtains your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second form of verification, thus blocking access to your account. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Many security regulations require the implementation of measures such as 2FA to protect sensitive information. 

Learn about complementary tools to strengthen digital security 

In addition to two-factor authentication, it is essential to have complementary tools to strengthen digital security.  

2FA is effective, but it is not the only measure needed to guarantee comprehensive protection.  

Combining 2FA with other security tools and practices can create a robust defense against various cyber threats.  

Here are some essential tools and practices: 

Password managers: password managers help you create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. They prevent the reuse of passwords and make it easier to manage multiple credentials. 

VPN (Virtual Private Network): using a VPN protects your internet connection by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, which is essential when using public Wi-Fi networks. 

Antivirus software: some programs offer protection against malware, viruses and other cyber threats, keeping your devices safe. 

Firewall: a firewall helps monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic on your network, protecting against unauthorized access. 

Software updates: keeping your systems and software up to date is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. 

Tips on how to use these tools 

• Password Managers: Set up strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. 
• VPN: use a VPN especially on public or unknown Wi-Fi networks to ensure that your connection is encrypted. 
• Antivirus: carry out regular scans and keep your antivirus software up to date to ensure protection against the latest threats. 
• Firewall: activate your operating system's firewall and consider additional firewall solutions for more robust monitoring. 
• Updates: activate automatic updates for your main operating systems and applications to ensure that you are always protected against the latest threats. 

How to enable two-factor authentication on social networks 

Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers an extra layer of security to protect your accounts from theft.

Here's how to activate this feature on the main platforms: 

WhatsApp 

1. Open the WhatsApp menu (⁝ icon at the top of the screen on Android or "Settings" on iPhone); 

2. Select "Account"; 

3. Go to "Two-step confirmation"; 

4. Click on "Activate"; 

5. Follow WhatsApp's instructions and enter a 6-digit password and your e-mail address. 

Facebook and Instagram 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, offers the Account Center to synchronize profiles and set security preferences. 

• Instagram: 

1. Go to your profile, click on the ☰ icon at the top of the screen and tap on "Settings and privacy"; 

• Facebook: 

2. Tap on the profile picture in the menu, select the gear icon and click on "See more in Account Center". 

If the accounts are synchronized, just follow the steps on one of the networks. Otherwise, you need to do the procedure on each of them: 

6. Click on "Passwords and security"; 

7. Tap on "Two-factor authentication"; 

8. Select the profile; 

9. Enter the password; 

10. Choose a method (authentication app, SMS or physical security keys); 

11. Follow the instructions and enter the code requested. 

Google 

12. Click on your profile picture on the Google page (or on other services such as YouTube or Gmail); 

13. Click on "Google Account" or "Manage your Google Account"; 

14. Go to "Security"; 

15. Select "Two-step verification"; 

16. Follow the instructions and enter the code sent by Google. 

Twitter 

17. In the Twitter menu, click on "Settings and support" (on mobile, tap on your photo first; on desktop, on the "..." icon); 

18. Tap on "Settings and privacy"; 

19. Under "Security and account access", click on "Security"; 

20. Select "Two-step authentication"; 

21. Choose a method (text message for Twitter Blue subscribers, authentication application or security key); 

22. Follow the instructions and enter the code requested. 

TikTok 

23. Log in to your TikTok profile and open the menu from the ☰ icon at the top of the screen; 

24. Select "Settings and privacy"; 

25. Tap on "Security"; 

26. Click on "Two-step verification"; 

27. Choose at least two verification methods (SMS, email or authentication app); 

28. Tap on "Activate" and follow the instructions. 

Telegram 

29. In the Telegram menu, tap on "Settings"; 

30. Select "Privacy and Security"; 

31. Click on "Two-Step Verification"; 

32. Tap on "Set Password"; 

33. Create your password and enter your e-mail address; 

34. Enter the code sent by e-mail. 

Activating two-factor authentication is a crucial step in ensuring the security of your online accounts.  

Multidimensional approach for comprehensive and effective defense 

Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers an additional layer of protection that can prevent unauthorized access even in the event of password theft.

However, it is important to also rely on other security tools, such as password managers, VPNs, antivirus software and firewalls, to achieve a comprehensive and effective defense. 

By adopting a multidimensional approach to digital security, you can significantly reduce the risks of cyberattacks, protect your personal and professional information and navigate the digital world with more confidence.  

At ISH, we are experts in cybersecurity and we are committed to helping you protect your data and information.  

Our comprehensive solutions are designed to offer maximum digital security.  

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help protect your digital world with confidence and peace of mind.and peace of mind.