Most people never even realize they have used two-factor authentication almost every day of their lives. In actuality everyone has used the process for identifying themselves and continue to use it day in and day out. You may be asking yourself, "How could I have used two-factor authentication everyday without being aware of it"? Maybe not realizing it but every time you access the ATM you are using two-factor authentication.

A single factor for identifying yourself such as a username/password combination is not secure even in the slightest these days. That is, unless you do not care about the information or network you are trying to access utilizing traditional methods of identification. It does not take much effort even by a novice hacker to implement malicious software used to steal your usernames and passwords. Key logging software is available across the web and can be found as easily as typing in "key logging software" in Google.

Two-factor authentication increases security by requiring a second form of identification beyond your traditional username and password combo. Something you have would be the second factor in the authentication process. Little did you know you have been using two-factor authentication anytime you pull out your ATM card, this would be something you have. Then you would enter your pin which is something you know. Two separate factors used together to securely identify you as the account holder.

Although an ATM card and pin combination is a very widely used two-factor authentication system the process is also used for identifying users in many other situations. Accessing online banking records requires a two-factor process many times, as well as creating a Google account. Have you ever forgotten your password to an account and had to receive an email with a code which you would then use along with your username to access account again? This would even count as a two-factor authentication since the email would contain a one-time password in which you would use alongside your username to identify yourself.

It seems something you have and something you know have been a part of our lives for quite some time. Most people never realize how much they use the process daily or how utilizing the process for other types of identification could prevent many malicious attacks. That is, until they are hacked and have their identity stolen or customer information siphoned from their network.

Were you aware of how much security plays a part in your everyday life and how two-factor authentication is utilized so much to authenticate someone’s identity? If you did not know about something you have and something you know, the two-factor authentication process, you may start to see it in action more during everyday transactions.