Hackers are always looking for ways to access your email and other important accounts, but multifactor authentication can make that far harder to do – so your information is safer.

Multifactor authentication – or MFA – adds an additional layer of security to block intruders from accessing your important financial and communication accounts.

Two of the most widely used MFA methods are challenge questions, and one-time passcodes that are sent to you via text, email or by phone. Each verification method comes after successfully entering your username and password but before you are fully able to log in to an account.

If either the question is answered incorrectly or the passcode is wrong, access to your account is blocked until the correct information is entered.

To make the most of MFA to protect your email, financial and health accounts, experts recommend the following steps:

-       Always use strong passwords that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters – and don’t use the same password for all your accounts.
-       If you have the option to add additional levels of MFA security – such as using passcodes - do it.
-       Protect access to your smartphone or tablet with either a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
-       Always sign out of your accounts once you’re done using them.

You want to make unauthorized access to your online accounts as difficult as possible for identity thieves – and multifactor authentication helps make that happen.