With cyber security being a hot topic these days, most internet users have a basic awareness of the best practices they can use to protect themselves online. You’ve likely noticed that big name brands like Facebook and Google now offer some form of two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter not one, but two credentials to log in to your account. Maybe you’ve even set it up yourself.
However, to some of us, the initial few minutes it takes to set up two-factor authentication, or the additional second of time it requires of us each time we log in, seem strong enough deterrents to justify our foregoing this extra step entirely. We’re all too happy to go through the familiar two-step process involved in logging on to view our banking details or credit card statements, but often are lazy about setting up the option on many of our other accounts. But what about your domain name? For many people, it’s an important asset, upon which rests their online business, personal portfolio, or professional identity. Why not take two minutes right now and enable two-step sign in on your Hover account?
It’s a significant security boost
Two-step sign in simply requires you to provide a temporary security code, in addition to your standard password, when you sign into your Hover account. You can have this secondary code sent via SMS text message, or generate it through a third-party app installed on your smartphone. This not only makes it more difficult for an unauthorized person to gain access to your account, but deters hackers from targeting you in the first place.
Setup is super simple
Like most things at Hover, enabling two-step sign in is a fast and straightforward process. All you need to do is log on, select Settings from the Your Account menu, toggle on the Two-Step Sign In option, and follow the steps to enable your preferred method (SMS text or third-party app). If you need step-by-step instructions, we have put together a handy guide.
The final step in the process is also the most important! Make sure to take note of your emergency, one-time-use recovery code. In the event you break or lose your phone, this code can be used to access your account, and disable two-factor sign in.
For step-by-step instructions and set-up details for all supported third-party apps, take a look at our knowledge base article.
Additional Tips (because a review of the basics never hurts!)
Using two-step sign in is a great step towards stronger account security, but there are many other easy-to-implement practices you can apply to all your online accounts.
- Create stronger passwords by increasing their length, and including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and special characters
- Use unique passwords for each of your online accounts
- Consider using a password manager such as 1Password (paid) or LastPass (free). Password managers are also a great place to keep your recovery code safe.
Implementing these practices, and using two-step sign in whenever the option is provided, will go a long way to securing your information, identity, and assets online.
