Most people know that in order to have a secure online presence, you must have a strong password. By “strong”, we mean that it should be long, complex (letters, number & special characters) and unique (not the same password on every website). But this can be tough to do. And the problem with a password - whether strong or not - is that once it’s known, it can be used from anywhere. So in addition to a password, or in the absence of a strong password, there is something you should do to protect your online accounts.

Two-step sign-on is a feature that requires a special one-time use code, in addition to your username and password, in order to log on to a website. This code is typically sent via text message to your mobile phone. But it can also be sent via email, phone call, or even generated by an app on your smartphone. This means that even if a hacker has your username and password, they probably won’t have your cell phone and, consequently, won’t be able to log into your account.

Many of the websites you use every day offer this service for free! But in most cases, it’s an optional feature that you have to enable. I’ve posted informational links to some of the most popular websites below. If you’re not sure if a website you use offers two-step sign-on, visit www.twofactorauth.org to find out. Turn it on and rest easy.

-Mike Macco, Financial Advisor

Google Instructional Video, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Dropbox, Box.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat

Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Mike Macco and not necessarily those of Raymond James.