Amazon just enabled the two-step authentication process in users' accounts. The security measure has long been offered by other companies such as Apple, Facebook and Google, which makes Amazon the latest to add the option in the user's login area.
The two-factor authentication is said to keep one's account more secure since it requires entering a passcode that's generated by a smartphone apart from the usual process of entering one's password. The generated passcode can be retrieved either by using a smartphone authenticator app or by receiving a text message.
The advantage of using the two-factor authentication process in one's account is that when hackers are able to break one's password, they are still prevented from full access since they don't have the short code.
For those who would like to add two-factor authentication to their Amazon account, here are the steps to enable the feature.
1. Log in to Amazon by clicking on "Your Account," which is found at the top right corner of the page.
2. Once logged in, scroll down the page until you reach the section called "Settings."
3. Click "Change Account Settings." At this point, you will see options such as Name, Email, Mobile Phone Number, Password and Advanced Security Settings.
4. Choose the "Advanced Security Settings" option. The page will then display the option of activating the two-step verification.
5. Click the box with the words "Get Started."
The page will ask you how you would like to receive the codes. Here, you can choose to either get the code through SMS or a dedicated app which would generate codes even when there's no cell service available.
Users can also set up a backup method which can come in handy if something goes wrong with the primary option.
Android device owners can use Google's Authenticator app on their devices to receive the codes. Another good option is using a third-party app such as Authy, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. This type of app also allows users to save their authenticator details in the cloud, which makes it readily available across several devices.
When you opt to use an authenticator app, you would have to scan the bar code. Next, you need to enter the code that is generated by the app into the text entry box for your Amazon account. Click "Verify code and continue."
The page will then walk you through the basics of the security feature. By default, sign-ins are not required on the browser currently in use. For users who want to enable two-factor authentication in their browser, they can un-tick the box that says "Don't require codes on this device."
Once you've understood the authentication process, you can click "Got it. Turn on Two-Step Verification." The feature is now enabled, adding more protection to your Amazon account.
