If passkeys aren’t available the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends turning on 2-step verification (2SV) to give your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out.
We recommend turning on 2SV for your email and social media accounts, as well as any accounts that contain lots of personal or sensitive information. Often online banking has 2SV enabled by default but double check if you are unsure.
How to turn on 2-step verification
2SV can usually be found in the security settings of your account. Sometimes it’s called 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out the help section of your account provider’s official website, which should provide detailed instructions.
Or you can follow these links to the instructions for specific services:
Turn on 2SV for email
Turn on 2SV for social media
Turn on 2SV for other accounts
How does 2SV keep criminals out?
2SV can help to protect you from cyber criminals by asking for more information to prove your identity when you log in to your online accounts.
It provides a way of ‘double checking’ that you really are the person you are claiming to be when you log in.
Turning on 2SV creates double the work for criminals trying to access your online accounts, even if they know your password.
How does 2SV work?
When you turn on 2SV, you will be asked to provide a ‘second step’, which is something that you (and only you) can access.
This could be a code that’s sent to you by text message, or created by an app.
You may also be able to use your fingerprint, facial recognition, or memorable information. You don’t necessarily need a mobile to turn on 2SV. Some providers will let you use a landline number, or a separate device (such as a card reader for online banking) or USB stick.
Take a few minutes to secure your online accounts now.
Other ways to protect yourself
Learn further steps to protect yourself and others from fraud.