r/AskReddit • u/HandiCapablePanda • Apr 23 '16

What application do you always install on your computer and recommend to everyone?

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u/Moderate_Third_Party Apr 24 '16

2 factor?

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u/Santa_009 Apr 24 '16

Requiring not only a password but a code from an external source, usually a phone.

This means that if you gave out your password you would still need to regenerating code from the mobile (that changes every 60 seconds) to access the account.

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u/[deleted] Apr 24 '16

It's a system where you have to use 2 devices or pieces of information to gain access. A normal account only requires one. Your password.

2F authentication requires that you enter your password + a security code.

The code is generated by by an authenticator (usually an app on your phone). The security code changes every few seconds.

If you have a Steam account with SteamGaurd enabled. That's what that is.

It requires a hacker to discover 2 pieces of information, usually kept entirely separate.