Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is a method of verifying your identity using two separate pieces of information. The first is usually something you know, like a password, and the second is something you have, like a code sent to your phone or a physical security key.

Why it matters is that even if someone guesses your password, they still need the second factor to access your account. This makes it much harder for hackers to steal your information or take control of your accounts.

An everyday example is when you log into your email and get a code sent to your phone. You enter your password and then the code, making it much more secure than just a password alone.

What to do is to enable 2FA on all your important accounts. Most services offer this option, and it's usually easy to set up. You can use a mobile app, a text message, or a security key. Choose the method that works best for you and make sure it's always active.