Solved Why I prefer physical security keys over SMS for MFA (2FA)


telepro21

telepro21

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I saw this article today and wanted to share as I was recently involved in a similar discussion on this Forum.

www.zdnet.com

Why SMS two-factor authentication codes aren't safe and what to use instead

A million two-factor authentication codes sent via SMS passed through an obscure third-party company. Here's how it happened and why it's a problem.
www.zdnet.com www.zdnet.com

I know that sometimes, we users are not given a choice about whether or not to receive SMS text messages to our devices for MFA authentication.

This post is more about raising awareness for everyone.
 

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But 2FA, on a phone, does not have to use SMS. Authenticator apps can generate a code with no SMS.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
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    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
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    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
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    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
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kelper said:
But 2FA, on a phone, does not have to use SMS. Authenticator apps can generate a code with no SMS.
Click to expand...
True.

Excellent point!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 26100.4351
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS X470 Prime Pro
    Memory
    32GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Alienware 2518HF
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Boot: NVME WDC WDS500G; ASUS M.2 Riser card with 3 additional NVME drives
    Various Internal SDD (Samsung and WDC) and HDD drives mostly Western Digital
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Gold 650W
    Case
    Corsair 200R
    Cooling
    Noctua PWM fans x 3
    Keyboard
    Corsair K60 SE Pro
    Mouse
    Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE
    Internet Speed
    500/500
    Browser
    MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium
There are many ways to use 2FA that are a lot easier and cheaper than a key/dongle.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Cooling
    fanless
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
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