Social Media Safety / Glossary

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a login that needs two things: your password plus a second proof, like a code from an app or text message, or a security key.

With 2FA, someone who steals or guesses your password still can't get into your account without the second step.

The safest second step is usually an authenticator app or a passkey. Codes by text message are still much better than nothing.

Never share a login code with anyone, even a friend or someone who says they work for the app. Keep your recovery codes somewhere safe in case you lose your phone.