Enhancing security with two-factor authentication (2FA) in TeamViewer

You know it, I know it: Cybersecurity is non-negotiable these days. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, going above and beyond to secure your online accounts and remote connections is essential.

One of the most effective ways to enhance security is through two-factor authentication (2FA). Here, we’re going to look at 2FA in more detail and see how it can be integrated with TeamViewer to protect your remote access and control solutions.

In this article:

• What is two-factor authentication?
• The importance of 2FA in cybersecurity
• How TeamViewer implements 2FA
• 2FA in action
• Benefits of implementing 2FA in TeamViewer
• Summary

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Imagine opening one locked door, only to find another one that is opened with another key, and you’ve got a good idea of two-factor authentication (2FA). Simply put, 2FA is a security process that means users have to provide two forms of verification before accessing an account or system.

Usually, 2FA combines something the user knows — most commonly, a password — with something the user has, like a mobile device, or something the user is, such as a fingerprint. This added layer of security makes it a lot harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

The importance of 2FA in cybersecurity

According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, password theft remains a leading tactic used by hackers to infiltrate systems. Relying solely on passwords leaves your accounts vulnerable to attacks. But by implementing 2FA, ideally as part of a Zero Trust framework, you add an additional layer of defense and reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access.

Read more: What is zero trust? The new normal in cybersecurity

How TeamViewer implements 2FA

At TeamViewer, 2FA is a key part of our efforts to enhance the security of your connections. While account-level 2FA has been a standard feature for some time, TeamViewer has also expanded this security measure to the connection level. This means that every attempt to establish a remote connection can be authenticated via 2FA, ensuring that only authorized users gain access.

Learn more: Two-factor authentication for connections

2FA in action

1. Remote access for employees

Consider an employee, Laura, who needs to access her office computer from home. With TeamViewer’s 2FA enabled, Laura first has to verify the connection via a push notification on her mobile device. The result? Only Laura can access her office computer remotely, even if her password is compromised.

2. Secure remote server management

For IT departments managing sensitive offsite servers, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection. Access to these servers can be restricted to specific IT staff, who must personally approve any connection attempts. This process ensures that only authorized personnel can interact with critical systems, preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

3. Managing vendor access

Many organizations rely on external vendors for specialized services. With 2FA, these connections can be securely managed, requiring approval from internal staff before any access is granted. This extra step helps maintain control over who can access your systems, reducing the risk of security breaches from external sources.

Benefits of implementing 2FA in TeamViewer

While 2FA may add a few seconds to the login process, it’s completely worth it in light of its considerable security benefits. In high-security and high-stakes environments like finance, healthcare, and public infrastructure, 2FA provides peace of mind by making sure that only the right people can access sensitive information.

Read more: Maintaining IT compliance in 2024: Is your business ready?

Easy setup and configuration

We have made it simple to set up and manage 2FA for your connections. With user-friendly options and clear instructions, you can enhance your security without complicating workflows. The flexibility of connection-level 2FA allows businesses of all sizes to tailor security measures to their specific needs.