What is Universal Two Factor Authentication (U2FA)? - Safe Haven

What is Universal Two Factor Authentication (U2FA)?

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Universal Two Factor Authentication or U2FA is an advanced system of online security. For this it uses the support of a USB device.

With U2FA you add an extra layer of security to online authentication. A universal second factor.

The origin of Universal Two Factor Authentication (U2FA)

Universal Two Factor Authentication adds a physical component to online authentication in the form of a hardware device.

U2FA’s development is in the hands of the FIDO consortium. It’s a group of big companies such as Google, Firefox and Microsoft.

Before we dive into the details of Universal Two Factor Authentication, we will provide some background info first.

For example: what is Multi-Factor Authentication? Why is it so important?

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) represents a form of secure login to websites and accounts.

You have to present two proverbial proofs to access a specific site:

  1. A password
  2. A code that you can generate with an authentication app

This way you avoid that someone who happened to get their hands on your password  is getting access to your accounts straight away.

What is the difference between Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Two Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is a more specific name for Multi-Factor Authentication.

You need a password in the first place, but in addition also a code that you generate with an authentication app.

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) rests on two pillars

Username & password: Your username and password, which you should know by heart or keep in a secure location. this verifies your identity.

An authentication code: Generated with a device like your smartphone or an app on your computer.

If you know your password, but are not able to generate an authentication code, of course you’ll not be able to login.

Hackers prefer to work at lightning speed, Two Factor Authentication is usually a good security measure because it slows them down.

The extra step that’s needed to login quickly deters hackers in many cases.

Compare it to burglars in your home. They also prefer to proceed very quickly and don’t want to spend too much time in your home.

So, what is Universal Two Factor Authentication (U2FA)?

Universal Two Factor Authentication goes one step further than Multi-Factor Authentication or Two Factor Authentication.

Not only do you need your classic login credentials. In addition is also necessary to have a physical means of authentication. A well-known example of this are SafeKeys.

SafeKey refers to the company SafeTech . It makes Two Factor Authentication easier.

SafeKey is a hardware device providing secure logins to websites like Google and Facebook.

Configure your SafeKey once and future login confirmations are done by a simple push on a button.

  • Safe and secure Two Factor Authentication with the touch of a button
  • Supports logins to cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, Coinbase, Kraken, …
  • Supports logins to websites like Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Dropbox, GitHub, …
  • Open authentication standard
  • FIDO2 is the newest generation of the U2F protocol
  • Phishing Protection
  • Stronger, simplified two-factor authentication (2FA) method
  • No drivers or client software needed
  • Compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Chromium, Opera, …
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, …

In the event of compromised data (logins and/or passwords), SafeKey continues to secure the account(s) through its authentication standards.

Why use Universal Two Factor Authentication as a crypto owner?

Universal Two Factor Authentication can be important for you as a crypto owner. As in our example above of classic burglars in a home, U2FA often deters digital thieves and hackers.

Hackers see that your exchange account is extra secure and then just ignore it. Hoping that they will quickly find another less secure account.

The big advantage is that U2FA is supported worldwide. The standard was designed by the FIDO consortium consisting of major players in the Internet world.

What are the benefits of Universal Two Factor Authentication?

Below we briefly list the benefits of Universal Two Factor Authentication.

  • Security. Which ensures that hackers do not need only a password to break in.
  • Simplicity. You insert a U2FA device into your computer and identify yourself by pressing your finger on it.
  • Uniformity. U2FA is compatible with all major standards online and works with different browsers.

Login to crypto exchanges, social media, web 2.0, personal services and more by simply touching a button

SafeKey is a device providing secure logins to websites like Google and Facebook or other online accounts.

Configure your SafeKey once and confirm each login by a simple push on a button.

Click here to learn more about SafeKey »

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