Why is Two-Factor Authentication Essential for WordPress Sites?

Running a WordPress website is quite simple and easy. You are able to launch it fast and without huge skills in web design. According to statistics, nearly 43% of websites on the market are running under this CMS system. 

But because of the general simplicity, website owners may forget that online security is a significant step. Just imagine that one day you understand that your WordPress website was compromised. Hardly this is a piece of positive news. A criminal having your username and password is able to do anything. At the same time, you are unable to stop the crime and prevent its negative consequences. 

That’s why experts in this field highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach. You need to pay extra attention to the development process like https://jatapp.com/services/application-development/ and make sure your website is well-protected. While you still can, you should use a strong shield called WordPress 2-step authentication.

The Main Particularities of 2FA

Experts from Google and other reputable organizations insist that your password must be as strong as possible. Although almost every user on the Globe knows it, not everyone follows this essential rule. As a result, the most popular passwords are “123456”, “password”, and “qwerty”. So are you still surprised why cybercriminals can attach websites so easy?

Just accept these 2 facts. First of all, a strong password is truly important to keep your website safe.  Create a complicated password using upper and lower characters, special symbols, and numbers. Second of all, sites with two-factor authentication have much stronger protection from attacks than sites without 2FA. 

It includes 2 steps to log in to your account. In the first stage, you need to enter your username and password. In the second stage, you are required to validate your identity by a text, call, etc. Such a system prevents most attacks and doesn’t allow a cybercriminal to access your data. The secret is simple: it’s almost impossible for a hacker to access both your login information and your smartphone at the same time.

So many users prefer 2FA and don’t mind entering a one-time password or answering calls every time they want to access their accounts.  They clearly understand that such a system provides them with the following benefits:

– secure data sharing. Thanks to 2FA, users get an opportunity to exchange files and other data. It’s especially useful for remote employees;

– low-cost solution. Usually, cybersecurity tools and solutions are quite pricey. But using a high-quality WordPress authentication plugin is affordable compared to other options in security;

– single sign-on. Users are able to log into accounts with 2FA and automatically access their accounts across other websites. Such sessions are also limited in time but there would be no need to make the same actions on different sites.

Besides, by using an official app Google authenticator WordPress you can optimize your authentication. This software will create a unique key and let a user simplify the process of generating and entering one-time passwords for websites. 

How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication WordPress

Don’t worry, you don’t need extra skills to turn on 2FA. Although this feature is very powerful and important for WordPress websites, webmasters can activate it in 4 simple steps. In the following guide, we’ll describe the process of enabling two-factor authentication by using Google Authenticator. 

Download the Google Authenticator Software

You need to get an official app from Google LLC and install it on your mobile device. It could be a smartphone or another mobile device you own. 

This software is available for iOS and Android users.  If you have an Apple gadget they open the App Store and find Google Authenticator via search. If you have an Android-based device you should do the same actions in the Google Play app. 

Install the Google Authenticator Plugin

After you have installed the Google Authenticator application on the mobile device, you need to do the same actions for your website. You are interested in a good plugin that is meant to connect it with your account on a mobile device. 

Many developers propose to webmasters their WordPress plugins. All options are available via the search bar in your dashboard. You only need to choose the one you like according to its features and usability. Just prefer the free WordPress authentication plugin. 

Set up Your App and Plugin

After you have added the exact plugin to your dashboard you need to configure it together with your mobile application. Usually, webmasters are required to confirm the installation of the plugin in the mobile software. For instance, to scan a QR Code or use a verification code. 

Anyway, the exact steps may differ so you need to follow the guidelines of the preferred application. The process is automated and a user doesn’t need to do anything special. 

Test How Your WordPress 2FA Works

If you have done all steps properly you’ll get a notification. Depending on the plugin you prefer, it usually says your WordPress user authentication is enabled now. Congratulations, you have protected your website and login data like a pro. 

For the latest step, make sure your 2FA works properly. You can test it by opening your login page from the Incognito webpage. If two-factor authentication is enabled then you’ll see a field for extra code (after username and password). Using such a method, you are guaranteed no passwords were saved beforehand. 

Keep Calm and Use 2FA

As you can see, security isn’t a joke to you. Many websites are regularly attacked and compromised. As a result, such issues have extremely negative consequences for webmasters. If you care for the work, content, and data you have inside your website, then you definitely need to turn on maximum protection. 

Many examples highlight that you only need to turn on 2FA and decrease the risks of cyberattacks. Many users complain that such a procedure takes time and doesn’t really matter… But look at the statistics and think about being a victim of a cybercriminal. You definitely don’t need it. 

So turn on the two-factor authentication and make sure your website security is under control! Use the following instruction and make it within one hour only.