Those security codes you ask to receive via text leave your accounts vulnerable. Do this instead

Here are some other, safer ways to verify your identity and sign into your accounts.

Do you receive login security codes for your online accounts via text message? These are the six- or seven-digit numbers sent via SMS that you need to enter along with your password when trying to access your bank accounts, health records, online photos, and more. This type of security is known as multifactor authentication (MFA) and is designed to keep your account secure even if someone knows your password. Without the additional security code, bad actors can’t gain access to your data. Or at least that’s the idea.