Lesson 3

Tool Lab: 2FA + Account Hardening

18 min read

Set up authenticator-based 2FA, a password manager, and email security to harden your exchange accounts against the most common attack vectors.

SMS-based 2FA is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks where a scammer convinces your telecom to redirect your phone number — authenticator apps generate codes locally on your device and are immune to this attack.

Each security layer addresses a different attack vector — authenticator apps block SIM swaps, password managers prevent credential stuffing, a dedicated email limits phishing exposure, and device hygiene prevents malware-based key theft.

Key Takeaways from this Lesson

1Authenticator 2FA is immune to SIM swap attacks; SMS 2FA is not
2Use a password manager with unique passwords for every crypto account
3Dedicated email for crypto only reduces phishing attack surface
4Save 2FA backup codes offline — losing them can lock you out permanently

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