Local 12: How scammers try to beat two-factor authentication
UC professor urges users to remain diligent about their online security
Two-factor authentication can be an extra layer of security to protect online accounts, but scammers have methods to try to get around the additional protection, a University of Cincinnati professor told Local 12.
Jacques Bou Abdo
With two-factor authentication, a second form of identification is required to access an account. Often, this is in the form of a one-time security code sent via an email or text message.
Scammers who have account log-in information will attempt to log in, triggering a two-factor authentication notification. They’ll also contact the account holder, posing as the institution associated with the account, in an attempt to get the account holder to reveal the authentication code.
So, it’s important for users to be diligent about their online security and not assume that two-factor authentication will protect them from all scams, said Jacques Bou Abdo, an assistant professor in UC’s School of Information Technology.
“The illusion of security you get from enabling the two-factor authentication is an illusion, and the user has to be really due diligent whether he has the factor authentication or not when he deals with the system,” Bou Abdo said.
Featured image at top: Two-factor authentication graphic. Photo/tsingha25via iStock
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
Over 100 Mental Health Champions graduated this spring
April 28, 2021
On April 15, 2021, over 100 faculty and staff across the University of Cincinnati graduated to become official Mental Health Champions, a now Healthy UC initiative. These dedicated colleagues successfully completed three trainings focused on creating connections and community, supporting students and co-workers with resources, and investing in their own personal wellness. Trainings were hosted by fellow colleagues who became facilitators in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Be Well UC employee wellness program. All Mental Health Champions actively demonstrate their commitment to building the culture of positive well-being at the University.
McDonald’s CEO headlines UC's Alpaugh Awards
April 27, 2021
President and CEO of McDonald’s Chris Kempczinski, a Cincinnati native son, was a perfect match to give the virtual keynote speech during UC’s Alpaugh Family Economics Center 2021 Awards ceremony.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
Helping her hometown understand the world
June 7, 2021
Becca Costello’s path to on-air reporter for Cincinnati’s WVXU started as young child — sledding down the hill behind the University of Cincinnati Clermont College.
U.S. News top grad school rankings include several UC programs
March 30, 2021
Several graduate school programs at UC improve in latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, including from nursing, medicine, engineering, criminal justice, law and business.
UC Faculty Awards 2021: Bonnie Fisher
April 5, 2021
Criminal justice scholar and victimology researcher Bonnie Fisher is awarded UC's 2021 Distinguished Researcher Award.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.