Improve Secure Access Service Edge. The number of times people get locked out of their accounts is increasing over the years. In fact, according to the census, over half of Americans who are online say they have forgotten their passwords.
Here are some tips to improve secure access service edge. They include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and creating unique recovery codes.
The most important step you can take to improve your secure access is to use a strong password.
A strong password is one that has a long length and includes both letters and numbers. You should also avoid using personal information like your name, birthday, or pet’s name.
A stronger password can be the difference between getting locked out of your account for a few hours or days and getting locked out for years.
Check the strength of your current password. You can use a tool like the Online Passwords Strength Checker Tool by Microsoft.
You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that provide it. 2FA provides an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter additional information along with your password in order to log in to your account. Some common forms of 2FA include:
Email Verification Code
This method sends a text message or email with a new code after entering a username and password. To log in successfully you must enter both the password and the code. If you have several accounts with 2FA enabled, codes are sent from different accounts. So that if one account is at risk, all of your accounts’ codes will remain safe.
SMS Authentication Codes
This method requires that you enter both a username and password as well as an authentication code sent as an SMS text message to your mobile phone or another device that receives texts or voice calls.
If the code is correct, you will log into the account successfully. As with email verification codes, this form of 2FA requires that you have access to both your phone and the account in order to log in successfully.
Google Authenticator Codes
These 6-digit codes are generated by an app on your phone called Google Authenticator. This app works in concert with other devices so that when logging in, you will have to enter the username and password as well as a 6-digit code generated by the app on your phone. Like SMS authentication codes, this form of 2FA requires access to both your phone and account in order to log in successfully.
If you don’t have 2FA enabled on an account right now, make it a top priority! Also, consider using unique recovery codes on each account rather than one universal recovery method like email addresses or mobile phone numbers. These can compromise you if someone is able to gain access to your account.
Create Unique Recovery Codes
Instead of using the same email address or mobile phone number for every account as a recovery method, create unique, random recovery codes for each account you have. By doing this, any time you forget your password you will be able to retrieve it without exposing your primary email address or mobile phone number. And if one of your accounts is compromised, the attacker will not be able to access the recovery codes on other accounts.