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.
 

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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 My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 26200.9278Ryzen 5 5600G24GB
OS
Windows 11 Pro 26200.9278
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Home Built
CPU
Ryzen 5 5600G
Motherboard
ASUS X470 Prime Pro
Memory
24GB
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 My Computers

System One System Two Other systems

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9278
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete beta

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    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
  • Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8894
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
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