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FAQ/TUTORIAL

FAQ/TUTORIAL

Download Graphics to View Question: I’m being asked to use two-factor authentication for some online accounts. What is it?

Answer: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires two distinct forms of identification in order to gain access to an online account or computer system. In this context, a factor means a way to convince the account or system that you are who you say you are, so it can determine if you have the rights to access the data services.

By far the most common authentication factor in use today is the username/password pair, and since most accounts only require a password for access, they’re using single-factor authentication. With two-factor authentication, however, you need to also prove your identity in a second way.

There are a variety of 2FA forms — some stronger or more complex than others — but all offer better protection than passwords alone. For example, the second factor may be:
  • Something you have (such as a text with a time-based code sent to your smartphone or other device, or a smartphone authenticator app)

  • Something you are (biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina)
As passwords become increasingly less secure, whether through data breaches or poor user practices, more service providers are encouraging or mandating the shift to 2FA. That’s because with 2FA, even if your password is stolen or your phone is lost, the chances of someone else having your second-factor information is highly unlikely.

Despite the slight inconvenience of a longer log-in process, security experts recommend enabling 2FA wherever you can.

DIY TIPS

DIY TIPS

Do-It-Yourself Demo 1 - Download Graphics to View  
Replace a Doorknob
 If you have a doorknob that’s outdated or doesn’t work well, follow these detailed steps to easily replace it with a new one. 		Do-It-Yourself - Download Graphics to View  
Turn a Trunk into a Table
 Transform that old trunk you picked up at a flea market or garage sale into a cool coffee table with lots of character.

INSTAGRAM FOCUS

INSTAGRAM FOCUS

NASA Shows Us Mars  
NASA Shows Us Mars
 Check out these “out of this world” images of the Red Planet taken by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. 		Organize Your Reusable Bags  
Organize Your Reusable Bags
 Reusable shopping bags don’t have to create a mess in your home. This video shows how to neatly fold and store them.

COOKING DEMO

COOKING DEMO

Cooking Demo 1 - Download Graphics to View  
COOKING DEMOS
 January is National Slow Cooker Month, so take advantage of the convenience and try this flavorful chicken dish. 		Cooking Demo 2 - Download Graphics to View  
French Toast Casserole
 What could be better than French toast? It’s French toast you make ahead, chill overnight, and bake the next morning.

CUSTOMER ALERT

CUSTOMER ALERT

Like-Farming Scams The Better Business Bureau warns Facebook users to watch out for like-farming scams, which are still going strong after many years. What is like-farming? It’s a technique in which scammers create an eye-catching post designed to generate many likes and shares.

Here are examples of typical like-farming posts:
  • “I bet this post does not get a million likes.” The subject may be a mistreated animal, an unfortunate child, or anything else that deserves our sympathy.
  • “90 percent of people fail this test.” Yet you can come up with the answer in less than 10 seconds.
  • “This is your chance to win an iPhone!” The prize could be any desirable and expensive item, but to win, you have to like and share.
  • “Combine the month you were born in and the last thing you bought to find your vixen name.” By participating, you reveal some of your personal data.
  • “Respond to this statement if you are a true friend. I think I know who will answer.” If you have “friends” that will unfriend you when you don’t participate — good riddance.
As with many scams, like-farming has different aims. When scammers ask you to “register” in order to win something or claim an offer, they’re after your personal information. Other versions can be more complex. When the scammer collects enough likes and shares, they may edit the post and add something malicious, such as a link to a website that downloads malware to your machine. Or once scammers reach their target number of likes, they can strip the page’s original content and use it to promote spammy products or resell the page on the black market.

To protect yourself, follow these tips:
  • Use your good judgement. If a post says you can win something just by sharing the post, it’s probably not true. If a post tugs at your heartstrings and isn’t about someone you know personally, be wary about the truthfulness of its contents.

  • Don’t like every post in your feed. Scammers are counting on getting as many mindless likes as possible, so be sure you only like posts and articles that are legitimate. Don’t help scammers spread their con.

  • Be cautious when it comes to sharing your personal information. Never give out personal information, such as your full name, telephone number, address, etc. to a person or company you don’t know or trust.

  • Update your web browser. Make sure you always have the latest version of your browser. That way, if you do accidentally click on a scammer’s post, your browser will be more likely to warn you about suspicious sites.
Remember, if you share worthless (and potentially harmful) like-farming posts, you also risk becoming an annoyance to your Facebook friends. So think before you click.