This morning, over a hundred thousand cell phone customers  across the USA and Canada woke up to cell phone carriers with no signal, except for an opportunity to call SOS. As the news continues to update us, let’s look at how important access to your digital accounts and assets have become; completely dependent on the large phone carrier companies such as T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.

Cellular data has magical powers. It allows for geographic freedom; meaning that you are not wi-fi dependent for internet access.  This cellular data enhances reliability, increases security from interference and hacking attempts. This reliability is integral for sensitive transactions like paying bills or confidential communications such as email.  Cellular data also serves as the backbone of two-factor authentication (2FA) , facilitating the transmission of verification codes and authentication prompts to users' mobile devices. This dynamic duo adds an extra layer of security beyond traditional passwords, significantly reducing the risk of account breaches. However, as can be seen by today’s wake up call,  the symbiotic relationship between cellular data and 2FA also underscores their indivisible importance in safeguarding and accessing digital assets.

So let’s look at two factor authentication and  how its unavailability poses significant challenges. When the cellular data framework malfunctions or encounters disruptions, users are left stranded without access to the texted secondary authentication method. Some companies have a back up to this and as long as there is an email associated with the account, they will get a code sent to email.  This highlights the importance of contingency plans to mitigate the impact of unforeseen disruptions, inaccessibility to your accounts and the ability to communicate with loved ones.

Today should mark a moment not to forget and it should also shine a light as to the fact that you have data that shapes your entire life online.

You need to plan for those accounts, those assets and that access should something happen.