French cybersecurity advisories stress 2FA adoption and email address risks

Security experts in France emphasize that a password alone is insufficient to protect online accounts. Implementing two‑factor authentication (2FA) adds a second barrier, requiring a code, notification, or physical key that only the user possesses. The guidance outlines the three main 2FA methods—SMS, authenticator apps, and hardware keys—highlighting that apps provide the best balance of security and convenience, while hardware keys offer the strongest protection for critical accounts.

The advisories also explain why email addresses are a prized target for cybercriminals. An active, verified address links to numerous online services and can be sold in bulk on underground forums. Recent breaches, such as the March 2024 cyber‑attack on France Travail affecting up to 43 million people and the Free customer data exfiltration, have exposed large pools of email addresses. Criminals use these addresses for phishing campaigns, password‑testing, and profile building, increasing the likelihood of successful fraud.

Together, the recommendations urge users to enable 2FA on major services like Google and Apple, keep backup codes safe, and remain vigilant about unsolicited emails that request personal information.