Zoom brings two-factor authentication to all users

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Zoom is bringing two-factor authentication (2FA) to all its users, which can help stave off security breaches and "zoombombing." It can keep potential attackers away from taking over your account with stolen or recycled credentials since they need to have control of your mobile device, too. You can use 2FA with Zoom's web portal, desktop client, Zoom Room, and mobile app. It supports the time-based one-time password (TOTP), which means it works with apps like Google Authenticator, FreeOTP, and Microsoft Authenticator. It also works with different authentication methods like OAuth, password-based authentication, and SAML.

When you enable 2FA, the video conferencing app will require you to enter a one-time code from a mobile authenticator app, phone call, or SMS. There are slightly different procedures on enabling 2FA, depending on whether you're a business admin or individual user. You can view the detailed guide over at this link.

Source: Engadget

Google to improve two-factor authentication for high-profile users

FIDO made this security key for Google might be similar to what the company plans to release

Google has plans to bolster its two-factor authentication tool for its more high-profile users that are being targeted by politically motivated cyberattacks. The new service is going to be called Advanced Protection Program and is slated for a release next month. The tool will swap out the standard authentication process for services like Gmail and Google Drive with physical USB security keys. The physical security keys will need to be plugged in to access the additional security measures but this’ll make sure it’ll be more difficult to access or gain remote control over Google’s services and apps. The service will also restrict access to third-party apps and services that users can link to their Google accounts. As mentioned, the service will be made available for more high-profile users including “corporate executives, politicians, and others with heightened security concerns.”

Source: The Verge

Instagram reportedly started rolling out two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is possibly one of the best ways to keep your online accounts secure. It took Instagram long enough to adopt the feature but it seems that’s about to change soon. The app has reportedly started rolling out the feature to some of its users. When it’s available to you, you just need to verify your phone number. Once you open the app and try to sign in with your account name and password, you’ll get a text message with an authentication code that you need to log in with. Basically, it’s the same application with other two-factor authentication logins. There is no official word yet from Instagram when they’ll roll it out for everyone. But it should be making its way to you soon.

Source: TechCrunch | Via: Lifehacker

Tumblr boosts security with optional two-factor authentication

Tumblr is adding to the SSL encryption it introduced to the site with the addition of two-factor authentication. The feature can be seen in the Settings section of the site. This means any login attempts you do will require two separate entries. First is your regular password and second is a unique six-digit code sent to your mobile device of choice.

Source: The Next Web