Website security isn’t optional; it is a necessity! To secure your website, it is not enough to protect it using passwords alone. This is where the magic happens. With 2-FA, an extra layer of security is placed on the website so that only a genuine user has access to it, thus minimizing cyber threats. Hence, it is a smart decision to add two-factor authentication if you’re running a blogging website or an online store.

This blog outlines the important steps so you can effortlessly apply them. Moreover, if you’re planning to launch a heavily guarded and highly efficient website, it is necessary to choose trusted web hosting plans, offered by reliable web hosting providers like MilesWeb, and also make an informed choice when you buy domain and hosting. They play an equally important role in enhancing the overall performance of your website.

Important Measures to Implement 2FA

Let’s look at the measures to make your website more secure!

1. Choose a 2FA Implementation Method

Decide which 2FA implementation method you will use. The standard options include SMS-based verification, email-based codes, authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator, and hardware tokens.

2. Configure a 2FA Provider

First of all, you’ll have to decide on a 2FA provider or library that works with ASP.NET. Google Authenticator, Twilio, Authy, DUO, and Microsoft Authenticator are some of the most commonly used options. Install and set up an account with the chosen provider according to its documentation to gain access to the necessary credentials (API keys, tokens, etc.).

3. Configure ASP.NET Identity

If you’re using ASP.NET Identity for user management, you need to extend the default identity system to support 2FA. You’ll typically need to modify the user model to add fields for 2FA, such as Phone Number and TwoFactorEnabled, update the database schema, and configure Identity to use the appropriate 2FA options.

4. Activate 2-Step Verification for Users

The user interface (UI) offered will provide options for the users to activate and manage 2FA settings. The UI will allow users to link their accounts to 2FA devices, such as phones, or email, and have the skills to choose a preferred 2FA method. Validate and store the 2FA information securely for the user.

5. Generate and Verify Codes

Apply the logic to verify and generate code. For SMS or email-based 2FA, this code should be sent to the user’s registered device, and for authenticator apps, time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) should be generated for validation via the app.

6. Authenticate 2-Factor Authentication

When a user tries to log in, prompt the user for the verification code generated by the user’s 2FA device. Validate the code against that user’s stored 2FA data. Grant access if the code is correct and deny access otherwise.

7. Recoverability and Backup Codes

Implement recovery or backup codes for the users in case they lose access to their 2FA devices. Generate and keep these codes secure while letting users temporarily get around 2FA.

8. Test and Monitor

Perform exhaustive testing of the implementation to ensure that it works under expected conditions accurately, and, most importantly, securely. Subsequently monitor any problems or vulnerabilities in the system, as well as relevant updates or fixes.

Keep in mind that, at the time of implementing 2FA, security is of utmost importance. Take necessary steps to secure confidential user information, make use of highly secure communication channels, and follow the best practices to protect your website against common threats such as brute-force attacks, and identity theft.

Common Methods of 2FA Implementation

The following are the most common ways in which 2FA is implemented:

1. One Time Passwords (OTPs)

A one-time password (OTP) is a string usually composed of digits of short validity that can only be used once in its lifetime. An OTP is to be regarded as an extra layer of security to an account or similar online entity after a password.

The standard implementation of OTPs for two-factor authentication requires the recipient to receive an OTP on an email address or a phone number associated with the account after the successful validation of the password. It is assumed that only the actual account owner is in possession of one or both. Without entering the correct OTP, logging in is considered unsuccessful. OTPs can be sent to a phone via SMS or through voice call, whereas, for emails, OTPs are generally sent in plain text inside the body of the email.

2. Software Based Authentication

Another option for authenticating two-factor authentication would be to install an application on the end user’s mobile device, which is used as the second factor. Such an application would generate tokens at regular intervals and send those tokens to its server. The website requiring authentication would then ask the user for the code and compare it with the code received from that application’s server. Access will be granted when the code is verified. The thought behind using app-based authentication is to eliminate the inherent issues of using text or calls.

3. Biometric Authentication

It involves authentication using the biologically unique characteristics of the user. The most commonly used characteristics include fingerprint and iris. Biometric authentication is typically used as a secondary method for user authentication in systems that are highly sensitive or have a high monetary value. Biometrics have also been extensively used as a standalone method of authentication.

2-Factor Authentication-Related Issues

• The SMS and Call-based OTPs rely on the SIM card, which can be cloned.
• Software-based 2-FA methods depend on the security of the token-generating algorithm.
• Hardware-based 2-FA methods are valid only if no one except the original user can physically access them.
• Most backup codes can be easily accessed when placed in unsafe locations.
• Biometric features can be copied and therefore easily bypassed.

Conclusion

In modern scenarios, enhancing website security through the use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, reducing the chances of unauthorized access significantly. 2FA gives you peace of mind, whether securing a personal blog or your business website. Security features such as 2FA come built-in with MilesWeb’s hosting plans, adding an extra layer of safety for your hosting account. Are you ready to step up your website’s security? Activate 2FA today and stay ahead of cyber threats!