How to set multi-factor authentication for your eBay account

App/system: eBay account
Learn: How to set up multi-factor authentication
Skill level: Beginner
Read time: 3 minutes

Do you or your employees use eBay for personal or business activities? If yes, have you considered the security vulnerabilities this opens up for your business?

Cyber attacks are estimated to cost an average of £4200 per business. From July 2021 to July 2022, 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack against them. By far the most common (83%) was phishing attempts, where hackers try to access employee passwords or other log-in information.

Information above is taken from the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022.

Why is multi-factor authentication important?

Many of us still use only a basic, password based authentication to access email, Google, Microsoft and social media accounts, despite plenty of evidence that passwords are easily and regularly hacked. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) takes moments to set up and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access.

Think of your password as the first ‘layer’ of your security. If you add a second ’layer’ this increases the work required to ‘break-in’ and hack the account. Further, this second layer may involve a fingerprint scan, another device or generating a limited-time code and is therefore much harder to steal or falsify than a password. MFA improves account security and better protects you and your organisation from anyone trying to access information they shouldn’t.

Read on for our guide to walk you through setting up MFA for your eBay account.

Step by Step: Set up MFA for your eBay Account

You can set up MFA for your eBay account either on your computer or mobile device. The process differs slightly for each option.

Setting up MFA on your computer

First you need to open your browser, go to eBay and login to your account. Then complete the following steps:

1. In the top left corner of the screen click on your name
2. Select Account Settings from the drop-down menu
3. Under My eBay, select Sign in and security
4. Find 2 step verification and click Edit
5. Select the additional authorisation you would like to set up and follow the on-screen instructions

Setting up MFA on your mobile device

To set up MFA on your mobile device, open the eBay mobile app and login to your account. Then complete the following steps:

1. Click the three lines in the top left corner to open the menu
2. Scroll down and select Settings
3. Tap Sign-in and security
4. Click 2-step verification
5. Select the additional authorisation you would like to set up and follow the on-screen instructions

Continue your cyber security journey

MFA is a critical part of securing your personal and business data, but it’s by no means the only step you need to take.

If you’re concerned about IT security for your business, get in touch with our friendly team to find out more. Call 01732 600 170 or email [email protected].