In today's interconnected world, your digital identity is as valuable as your physical one. Securing your online accounts is necessary to protect your personal information and financial assets. This blog will delve into two critical aspects of cybersecurity: strong password practices and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Before that, let us first understand why it is important to secure your personal information.
Your personal information, such as phone numbers, OTPs, and PINs, is highly sensitive. Once leaked, it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. A recent case from Kanpur, India, illustrates the dangers of OTP scams. Two individuals were arrested for defrauding people of over ₹1.2 crore by persuading them to share OTPs, allowing unauthorised withdrawals from their accounts.
Here are some important tips to follow to avoid such scenarios-
A strong, unique password is your first line of defence against unauthorised access to your accounts. To ensure optimal security, it is crucial to regularly update your passwords. By doing so, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access to your online accounts. Consider creating a password that is difficult to guess, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Here are some tips for creating a strong and unique password:
Please Note: If you have signed in to Groww using your Gmail/Apple account, please regularly change your Gmail/Apple account passwords.
[To change your Groww password and PIN, head to ‘My Profile’ ➡ ‘Settings’ ➡ ’Change Password/PIN]
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, usually a code sent to your phone. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they'll still need access to your phone to gain entry.
2FA, or two-factor authentication, is a security process that requires two distinct forms of identification to access something. It adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to gain access, even if they know your password.
Here’s how it works -
During the initial registration, users are required to complete three-factor authentication (3FA), which includes sign-in (Google, Apple or any other email ID), OTP (Device Registration), and PIN/biometric. Signing in subsequently involves two-factor authentication (2FA), which includes sign-in (Google, Apple or any other email ID) and PIN/biometrics.
Please Note: Two-factor authentication is mandated on Groww every time you sign in to your account (Google, Apple or any other email ID)+ PIN/Biometrics).
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Here’s why 2FA is important:
Here are some important tips that must be followed while implementing 2FA in your device:
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can significantly strengthen your online security posture. Remember, a proactive approach to cyber security is the best defence against potential threats. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and safeguard your digital identity.
Disclaimer: Please note that Groww will never request sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, or account details via phone calls, text messages, or any other unsolicited communication. If you receive such requests, please disregard them and report them to us immediately via [email protected].
At Groww, we're committed to ensuring your security and privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about phone-based social engineering attacks or cybersecurity in general, please feel free to reach out to our support team.