Today's post

There were a couple comments about 2 factor authentication (2FA) yesterday.

It's good, it's important, turn it on, *especially* for your email, banking, & CC sites.

In order of security, the three main types are:
SMS based - the site sends you a code you have to type in. This has been broken in the real world.
App Based - like Google authenticator or Authy - these have constantly changing codes.
Fob Based - there's a hardware token required for access

1/2

The reason these are so important is because, in theory you, and only you have to the code needed to complete the login.

Google has a high profile case for forcing 2FA on it's employees. No account compromises have occurred after they implemented that rule.

It's not a panacea, but any means, but it's a huge step in the right direction for a small speedbump in the login process.

@0x56
Does Google use their own public authenticator app, or something internal-only?

Follow

@Dobo - I can't say for certain, but the timing of all these stories were just about the same time that Google announced they'd be selling their own key fob. Which leads me to think that they dogfooded the fob.

cnbc.com/2018/07/25/google-to-

@0x56

Sounds likely.

The fob isn't going to work with my nifty Google phone, though. Unless I also carry around a USB C adapter.

Note to self: get a man purse.

@Dobo - yubikey offers a NFC one that you might be able to use. I haven't used it, so I can't recommend it personally, I can just recommend looking into it.

@0x56

Let's get one for Trump to use with his new soccer ball!

@0x56

Whoa, wait for it, I have a new rumor to start: the soccer ball *is* an NFC authenticator so Trump can prove his identity in back channel communications with his Russian handlers! 😎 🤔

@0x56 @Dobo yeah, I've been wondering how much extra security I'd get out of that yubikey thing. I do like being secure, but $50 is too much for something I'd only be able to use with (I think) gmail & github. I have not heard an argument for why it's better than an authenticator app on my phone...

@rpardee @Dobo - TBH, I can foresee an attack where the authenticator seed was somehow predicted, then a clone app could be used without your knowledge... but on the other hand, you phone is probably secured by a passkey/biometrics and the yubikey I don't think is.

@0x56 @Dobo Oh, I guess you're right. I was thinking the fancy one (yubikey neo) w/NFC had a fingerprint reader, but looking again maybe not.

@rpardee @Dobo - my assumption on that was that it was an activation button.

@0x56 @Dobo @rpardee

hmmmmm...I also assumed it a fingerprint reader...now I'm even less inclined to fork over for it...

Sign in to participate in the conversation

CounterSocial is the first Social Network Platform to take a zero-tolerance stance to hostile nations, bot accounts and trolls who are weaponizing OUR social media platforms and freedoms to engage in influence operations against us. And we're here to counter it.