+- Internet Safety Tips (https://internetsafetytips.createmybb4.com)
+-- Forum: Safety Center (https://internetsafetytips.createmybb4.com/forum-5.html)
+--- Forum: Tips (https://internetsafetytips.createmybb4.com/forum-6.html)
+--- Thread: 2FA, Steamguard and backup codes (/thread-14.html)
2FA, Steamguard and backup codes - Reddington - 02-19-2022
2 factor authentication, also known as 2FA, and backup codes. What are they?
2 factor authentication is an extra security step meant to help protect your account. Most gaming platforms have it, as do certain big websites. How 2 factor auth works varies between what platform or site you're using. In some cases, aside from logging in via username and password, you need to enter a verification code that was sent to your phone. In other cases, you need to click a link that was sent to your email. 2FA has been proven to significantly help protect your account and is recommended. However, if you use 2FA, you need to be on top of everything relating to the 2FA method you chose.
For example, if you chose text message 2FA, you need to remember to change the phone number in your account. Otherwise, when you try logging in, that 2FA code will go to your old number, which either no longer exists or a stranger who has your old number. Same thing applies to emails (minus someone else getting it). If any of your 2FA methods change, you need to change them on the platform you use it.
2FA can also be in the form of authentication apps like Authy (Trusted app), where upon logging in, you need to enter a code that is shown on the app. Personally, this method is the best and is very simple.
For those of us Steam users, SteamGuard is essentially 2FA. With Steam, you have 2 options of SteamGuard protection. Either you use the SteamGuard authentication app, or the send an email to you to verify with. I used the Steam authentication app previously and do not recommend it. If you get locked out or even signed out of your Steam account on mobile, it can lead to bullshit where you have to try and get the SteamGuard auth code, while at the same time trying to log back into Steam on your phone. It's a huge hassle and not worth it. If you use SteamGuard (which I do recommend), get your code sent via email.
The overly popular, yet growing garbage Discord app offers backup codes. These codes are one time use and will allow you to do essential Discord functions (like delete a server) and recover the account. The only "problem" (I use that term very loosely) is that Discord backup codes require you, the user, to either write down and save the codes, or download and store them on you PC. This is a problem because people either don't save them, or they do, but lose the codes. If you choose to use backup codes, you have to save them somewhere!!