1st Guru helped hundreds of students successfully join their dream universities, and hope to help you do the same. University applications are open for 2026 entry

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Today’s Digital Age

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity has become a top priority for individuals and organizations alike. With the rise of online threats and data breaches, it’s more important than ever to take site proactive measures to protect our personal and professional information. One crucial step in securing your online presence is setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). In this article, we’ll explore why 2FA is essential for added security and provide a step-by-step guide on how to set it up.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires users to provide not only their password but also another form of verification, such as a code sent to their phone or a biometric scan. This adds an additional barrier between the user’s account and potential hackers, making it much more difficult for them to gain unauthorized access.

Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication

The benefits of 2FA are numerous:

  • Enhanced security : By requiring two forms of verification, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of password cracking or phishing attacks.
  • Protection against data breaches : Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.
  • Compliance with regulations : Many industries and governments require organizations to implement 2FA as part of their security protocols.

Types of Two-Factor Authentication Methods

There are several types of 2FA methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

  1. SMS/Text Message Verification : A code is sent to the user’s phone via SMS or text message.
  2. Authenticator Apps : Apps like Google Authenticator generate a time-based one-time password (TOTP) that must be entered alongside the username and password.
  3. Biometric Scanning : Fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning are used to verify the user’s identity.
  4. Smart Card Authentication : A physical card with a chip is used to authenticate the user.

How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Setting up 2FA is relatively straightforward:

  1. Check if 2FA is supported : Ensure that your account provider supports 2FA, such as Google, Microsoft, or Facebook.
  2. Choose a 2FA method : Select the type of 2FA you want to use and download any necessary apps.
  3. Enable 2FA : Log in to your account and navigate to the security settings, where you’ll find an option to enable 2FA.
  4. Set up the second factor : Follow the prompts to set up your chosen 2FA method, such as entering a phone number for SMS verification or scanning your fingerprint.

Common Objections to Two-Factor Authentication

Some individuals may be hesitant to implement 2FA due to concerns about:

  • Convenience : Adding an extra step to the login process can be inconvenient.
  • Cost : Some organizations may view 2FA as an additional expense.
  • Complexity : Managing multiple 2FA methods can be overwhelming.

However, the benefits of 2FA far outweigh these concerns. With a little practice, setting up and using 2FA becomes second nature, and the added security is well worth the extra effort.

Best Practices for Implementing Two-Factor Authentication

To maximize the effectiveness of 2FA:

  • Use unique passwords : Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts to prevent account lockout.
  • Keep software up-to-date : Ensure that your devices and apps are running with the latest security patches.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity : Regularly review your account activity logs to detect any potential threats.

Conclusion

Two-factor authentication is a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your online presence. By understanding the benefits, types, and setup process of 2FA, you can take an important step in protecting yourself from cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late – implement 2FA today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your account is better protected against unauthorized access.

Additional Resources

For further information on cybersecurity and two-factor authentication:

  • National Cyber Security Alliance : A non-profit organization providing resources and guidance on cyber security.
  • Google’s 2-Step Verification : Learn more about Google’s implementation of 2FA, including set up instructions.

Who We Are?


Have you ever wondered what you might excel at exceeding your expectation and others? We, unfortunately, young or old, could potentially misjudge and mis-assess our own strengths and weaknesses.

When we misjudge ourselves or lack self-awareness, our unique qualities as individuals are ignored. In turn, the chance to become successful may slip out of our reach. We at 1st Guru, are a group of thriving young professionals, who have not only succeeded academically but currently thrive in our selected careers. 

With an understanding of at least two cultures and very different people we met on our journey, we have not only built upon everything we have learned but also everyday scenarios. We have always strived to build important friendships, work connections and personal relationships to make our process personalised.

We want to share with you the wisdom we have gained along this journey, helping you to make the right decisions and impressions when you try to embark on your studies at your ideal university.

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Our Mission


Our mission is to help you turn your university and career dreams into reality. Our approach to achieving this is to focus on your long-term career goals and capabilities from the very start.

Our process also helps to identify your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities so that we can build a comprehensive strategy to get you into your ideal university.

We want to help you make the right decision to set you on the path of success towards your ideal career.

Together, we’ll identify what matters to you most in your future and help you reach where you belong!

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Our Story


Most of our advisors are from outside the UK with English as our second language, though despite this, we have studied at top-ranked UK universities and are currently fulfilling challenging positions within both UK and US industry-leading companies.

The journey from where we were before to where we are now has not been a straight path. Through our differences in culture, background and race, we have learned that we have one thing in common: passion for what we do professionally.

Being passionate about what we do is the simplest, most important element of our character.

It is this passion that drives us to help you pursue and secure your place in the area of study and work that you are most interested in. Using our unique experiences and perspectives, we can provide an insider advantage so that you can stay ahead and lead on your selected path.

We hope to help you with one of the most profound life decisions you are about to make, which will ripple through your adulthood.
With various offices across the world, we guarantee the same energetic vibe and stand united in our shared goal to empower 1st Guru students to be the best that they can possibly be.

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Admission Process 1


Let us know about you! By filling out the free consultation form, we can learn more about you, your goals and interests.

Please provide as much information as you can as this will guide us towards identifying the best opportunities and tests for you.

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Admission Process 2


Note down the application deadlines for your universities and courses as well as the entry requirements. These may include academic qualifications, language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores), and prerequisites for certain subjects. Make sure to review these requirements carefully before applying. 

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Admission Process 3


Prepare your application as your application will typically include the following components:

  • Personal details: Your full name, contact information, and nationality.
  • Education history: Details of your previous education, including transcripts and exam results.
  • Personal statement: A written statement that outlines your motivation for studying the chosen course, your career goals, and why you're a suitable candidate.
  • References: Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your academic and personal qualities.
  • Proof of English proficiency: If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

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Admission Process 4


Register in the UCAS Hub and complete the registration questions, confirming key details such as the year you want to start your studies (and that you are interested in ‘Undergraduate’ level of study).

In the UCAS Hub dashboard, you’ll see a title called Your application’ which is where you can begin your application. There is substantial information required here so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take breaks and come back to it, to get everything right. 

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Admission Process 5


Review your application thoroughly and then submit it. Before it can be sent off to any universities/colleges, you’ll need to get a reference and pay your application fee. You will need to find a suitable referee, whether a teacher or an employer. We will advise you on this. The application fee is unfortunately not refundable. 

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Admission Process 6


Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to wait for the universities to review it and make their decisions. If you're successful, you'll receive a conditional or unconditional offer. You'll need to accept an offer within the specified deadline to secure your place. 

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Admission Process 7


As an international student, you'll need to apply for a UK student visa (Student Visa, previously Tier 4 (General)). This process involves providing proof of your acceptance at a UK university, evidence of your financial support, and other relevant documentation. 

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Admission Process 8


Once you've received your visa, it's time to arrange accommodation and prepare for your move to the UK. Research housing options, book your travel, and familiarise yourself with the local customs, culture, lifestyle and living costs. 

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Step 1: Getting To Know You


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Step 2: Assessing Your Aptitude


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Step 3: Meeting Your Advisor


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Step 4: Selecting & Applying


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Step 5: Preparing for Your Interviews


As a crucial step in the process, we'll collaborate to guarantee you hear back from at least one university for an interview.

Together, we'll thoroughly analyse your application, supplying you with pertinent interview questions. Our numerous mock interviews will considerably boost your chances of acceptance, enabling you to present yourself as the ideal candidate.

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Step 6: Offer Received


Well done! You can now relax and wait to hear back from the universities you’ve applied to.

Most of 1st Guru’s students receive more than two offers from their application!

You’ll be pleased to know that our stress-free university consulting has a 97% success rate!

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Choose the right MBA programme


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Check entry requirements


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Prepare a compelling application


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Apply directly to the business school


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Prepare for interviews


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Await decisions and accept an offer


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Apply for a visa and prepare for your arrival


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