Two-step verification, two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication...whatever your social media platform calls it, it's an excellent way to protect your accounts.

There's a good chance you're already using multi-factor verification with your other accounts -- for your bank, your finances, your credit card, and any number of things. The way it requires an extra one-time code in addition to your login and password makes life far tougher for hackers.

It's increasingly common to see nowadays, where all manner of online services only allow access to your accounts after you've provided a one-time passcode sent to your email or smartphone. That's where two-step verification comes in. You get sent a code as part of your usual login process (usually a six-digit number), and then you enter that along with your username and password.

Some online services also offer the option to use an authenticator app, which sends the code to a secure app rather than via email or your smartphone. Authenticator apps work much in the same way, yet they offer three unique features:

Google, Microsoft, and others offer authenticator apps if you want to go that route. You can get a good list of options by checking out the "editor's picks" at your app store or in trusted tech publications.

Whichever form of authentication you use, always keep that secure code to yourself. It's yours and yours alone. Anyone who asks for that code, say someone masquerading as a customer service rep, is trying to scam you. With that code, and your username/password combo, they can get into your account.

Passwords and two-step verification work hand-in-hand to keep you safer. Yet not any old password will do. You'll want a strong, unique password. Here's how that breaks down:

Now, with strong passwords in place, you can get to setting up multi-factor verification on your social media accounts.

When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you'll be asked to choose one of three security methods:

And here's a link to the company's full walkthrough: https://www.facebook.com/help/148233965247823

When you set up two-factor authentication on Instagram, you'll be asked to choose one of three security methods: an authentication app, text message, or WhatsApp.

And here's a link to the company's full walkthrough: https://help.instagram.com/566810106808145

And here's a link to the company's full walkthrough: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1920866721452534

And here's a link to the company's full walkthrough: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

1. TapProfileat the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap the Menu button at the top.

3. Tap Settings and Privacy, then Security.

4. Tap 2-step verification and choose at least two verification methods: SMS (text), email, and authenticator app.

5. Tap Turn on to confirm.

And here's a link to the company's full walkthrough: https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/personalized-ads-and-data/how-your-phone-number-is-used-on-tiktok