What is Double Authentication ID Theft Prevention?
In case you haven’t already heard, identity theft is kind of a big deal. Ask anyone that’s had their identity stolen, not only is it a huge deal to the victim, but it has the potential to drastically affect their lives, financially or otherwise. Knowing that, it seems almost everyone is trying to come up with a viable solution for preventing identity theft. So far, there’s been mixed results - some prevention strategies are effective, but nothing has really been 100% foolproof. One of the newest forms of identity theft prevention comes from the RSA security firm, referred to as double authentication ID theft prevention. It’s currently being touted as a new security feature for making online purchases, transferring money, or conducting any sort of banking online. As the name suggests, this type of identity theft prevention involves using two forms of authentication before allowing an online transaction.
How Does it Work?
Double authentication identity theft prevention works by sending a Wi-Fi signal between the computer one is using to complete a transaction and the user’s cell phone. When it comes time to approve the transaction, the computer sends out a signal to the phone. The cell phone then displays the transaction and asks for the user’s approval. This means users can stop a possible identity theft before it happens by impeding the transaction from their cell phone. In theory, it would prevent transactions from even occurring unless the rightful owner is within distance of the Wi-Fi signal and approves it.
Is it a Possible Solution to Online Identity Theft?
While this new identity theft prevention idea sounds great in theory, actually implementing it could be a completely different story. First, consider how many people own cell phones that are capable of sending and receiving Wi-Fi signals - a small percentage overall. Also, keep in mind that there have been similar types of double authentication measures that identity thieves have been able to break. Is this new measure really that much more secure? It’s impossible to accurately say at this point, but it seems to be a step in the right direction. If this type of double authentication identity theft prevention can be honed and perfected as a practical solution for everyone, then it will surely be widely embraced.
