#1077 – Two-Factor Authentication: It’s Not as Complicated as You Think

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#1077 - Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think
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The single most important way to secure your online accounts

Two-factor authentication, when available, is one of the most powerful ways to secure your online accounts from being hacked. Even if a hacker somehow gets your password, 2FA stills stands in their way.

There's a lot of misunderstanding about two-factor that prevents some people from choosing to use it. This week I cover some of the misconceptions, and why it's not nearly as scary as you think.

Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think

Also this week

  • Recovering data from a dead computer.
  • Bounces to email you didn't send.
  • The https padlock means less than you think.
  • How to run a full security scan.

As always, links below.

TEH Podcast

Connectivity, or lack there of, while I was camping lead to my new Starlink. How we all store photos. AI dating (no, seriously, dating an AI?). And of course the usual cool stuff, and recommended reading.

TEH 251: Camping connectivity. Fiber isn't Fiber. Griping about Negativity. AI dating.

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

Two-Factor Authentication: It

Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think
Clearing up some 2FA myths.

There are some persistent myths about two-factor authentication that stop people from adopting it. I'll clear them up so you can use this simple yet powerful security feature with confidence.

Read: Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead Computer
There are several techniques.

How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead Computer
Extracting data from a hard drive in a dead computer shouldn't be too difficult (unless it's the drive itself that caused the problem). I'll walk you through some of the options and steps you can take.

Read: How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead Computer

-

Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn't Send Mean I've Been Hacked?
Probably not, but...

Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn
Email bounces from messages you didn't send can be disconcerting. I'll explain what's happening, why you probably don't need to worry, and what steps you might take anyway.

Read: Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn't Send Mean I've Been Hacked?

-

Don't Rely on the Padlock: What the Lock Icon in Your Browser Really Means
Not much.

Don
Https is important, but now that it's ubiquitous it's not really protecting you as much as you might think. I'll explain what I mean and why that is.

Read: Don't Rely on the Padlock: What the Lock Icon in Your Browser Really Means

-

How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows Security
Sometimes, you need to scan everything.

How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows Security
Here's my step-by-step guide on how to run a complete malware scan using Windows 10 and 11's built-in Windows Security.

Read: How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows Security

Ask Leo! on YouTube

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How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows Security

Here's my step-by-step guide on how to run a complete malware scan using Windows 10 and 11's built-in Windows Security.
Watch: How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows Security

-

Don't Rely on the Padlock: What the Lock Icon in Your Browser Really Means

Https is important, but now that it's ubiquitous it's not really protecting you as much as you might think. I'll explain what I mean and why that is.
Watch: Don't Rely on the Padlock: What the Lock Icon in Your Browser Really Means

-

Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn't Send Mean I've Been Hacked?

Email bounces from messages you didn't send can be disconcerting. I'll explain what's happening, why you probably don't need to worry, and what steps you might take anyway.
Watch: Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn't Send Mean I've Been Hacked?

-

Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think

There are some persistent myths about two-factor authentication that stop people from adopting it. I'll clear them up so you can use this simple yet powerful security feature with confidence.
Watch: Two-Factor Authentication: It's Not as Complicated as You Think

-

How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead Computer

Extracting data from a hard drive in a dead computer shouldn't be too difficult (unless it's the drive itself that caused the problem). I'll walk you through some of the options and steps you can take.
Watch: How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead Computer

All About OneDrive - Online Course

All About OneDrive - Online Course

OneDrive is both incredibly powerful and at times incredibly confusing. It includes a bucket-load of features to help you back up, share, collaborate, stay safe, and more.

All About OneDrive covers OneDrive's features and its peculiarities so you can use it to the fullest.

(Silver level patrons and above: All About OneDrive is included in your patronage. If you don't see it in your My Account page, just ask.)

More details in the Ask Leo! store: All About OneDrive - Online Course


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Posted: July 8, 2025 in: 2025
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/9258
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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.