Each year, National Safer Internet Day encourages us to take a fresh look at online safety, starting with a topic that often gets mixed up: verification vs. authentication.
Understanding the difference between verification and authentication
Verification is how an organization confirms that you are who you say you are. This usually happens once, or very infrequently, at the beginning of a relationship. It’s about validating the accuracy and legitimacy of the information you provide.
Authentication, on the other hand, is ongoing. It’s the process used every time you try to access your account to make sure the person logging in is the same person who was originally verified. This is where things like passwords, tokens, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) come into play.
Common types of authentication include:
- MFA (Multi-factor authentication)
- Push notifications
- One-time password
- Voice authentication
- Biometrics
All of these methods rely on one (or more) of three key factors: something you know, something you have, or something you are.
Tip: You can set up alerts and push notifications in online banking, so you’re notified right away when your account is debited or drops below a certain threshold. It’s a simple way to keep an eye on your money and catch unusual activity quickly.
Authentication risks to watch for
Unfortunately, there are also common risks that can weaken the authentication process, such as:
- Social engineering, phishing, and spoofing
- Account takeovers
- Malware and viruses
- Weak or reused passwords
- Public Wi-Fi (“man-in-the-middle” attacks)
- Identify theft
Easy steps to protect your accounts
The good news? There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself, and your accounts, safe:
- Always use authentication when logging into any user profile.
- Don’t write down or keep a journal of your passwords.
- Never give your user credentials, passwords, full account numbers, SSN, or authentication codes to anyone. Legitimate institutions will never ask you for this information.
- Don’t click links or respond to unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls. Even if the sender seems familiar, verify by contacting the institution directly using the phone number on their official website.
- Avoid giving unknown individuals remote access to your devices.
- Never complete financial transactions for someone you’ve never met in person.
- Regularly review your account statements to verify recent activity.
Fraud attempts often feel urgent and time-sensitive; they’re designed to pressure you into acting quickly. If something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts and contact your financial institution right away to report the interaction and protect your accounts.
Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe online, on National Safer Internet Day — and every day.
