More and more software developers and tech companies are making two-factor authentication available on their platforms. Two-Factor authentication is simply an extra way for the software or service to identify you. You already have one factor – your password. The 2nd factor can be a variety of things, the best is something only you have. Examples include your cell phone number, your email address, the private part of a key pair or even a special physical device tied to your account. The extra step required by two-factor authentication to access your account can seem like a waste of time, however the extra security provided by two-factor is worth the trouble. The extra layer of protection against most phishing attacks is just one good reason to use two-factor authentication. It also gives you an easier way to get back into your account if you have forgotten or lost your password.

Interested in learning more about two-factor authentication? Here are two good links for extra reading:
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Google’s new Titan Key