We have written lots of entries on ransomware and how to reduce your changes of being a victim. Since that time, we have had a reports of people users override the 2-factor authentication by approving access even though they were not attempting to log in themselves. This resulted in their account being compromised.
Two-factor authentication is there to protect your account from being compromised. If you are NOT attempting to log into your account when you receive a notice for the 2nd factor – DO NOT APPROVE IT. This is analogous to leaving your residential door key in the locked door or using a weak password that is easily guessed or posting the combination of the safe with your valuables for the perpetrator to easily locate.
This also created opportunities for the hacker to use the compromised account to attempt to gain access to some of your other accounts. These hacks are rarely done in isolation. It’s another reason why you should NEVER USE the same password on multiple account.
As a Reminder
Make sure you do not override the 2-factor authentication process.
- 2-factor authentication protects you if someone successfully guesses your password, they still need the 2nd factor (i.e. mobile phone) to access your account.
- Example: Just this past weekend I received two text messages with confirmation codes from a google account that I have. Evidently, someone has guessed my password and was trying to log in. Because they had not received the confirmation codes, they were unable. I also changed my password
- One institution told us that they have had problems with their employees approving access on the 2nd factor because the alerts were annoying. If you are receiving alerts and you are not attempting to log into your account, someone has guessed your password and are attempting to access your account. DO NOT APPROVE!
- You should set up 2-factor for all of your computer account that allow it such as financial institution, social media, email etc.
Be safe in Cyber space
Defense Against Crime provides you with the best information to meet the security needs of you, your family members or your business, by assisting anyone who is unwilling to become a victim of crime. If you want to take personal responsibility for protection, home security, business security, purchase high-quality self-defense products kits and arm yourself with the knowledge about self-defense and security products and information of the best way to stay secure in an ever-increasing violent world. In today’s society, being equipped mentally and physically is no longer an option. –
Victor Swindell, Onyx Knight Enterprises
Defense Against Crime 
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