Why Businesses Need MFA: The Super Password Protection Tool

Business owners looking to protect their businesses from online threats should take a hard look at updating their passwords and adding a second protective layer of authentication. This is called multi-factor authentication or MFA.

These additional layers of protection should not be overlooked to protect your most sensitive data. In fact, it has become one of the most effective security measures available. It involves the use of two or more verification steps when logging into an account.

The first line of verification is usually the password. Once the correct password is entered, a second step begins. This usually comes in the form of an access code that can be sent to a phone number or email address on file. This ensures that the person entering the password is the same person who has control of the account.

In many cases, the second or even third level of authentication takes the form of biometrics. This can include fingerprint or facial ID scans, many of which are now commonly used as part of mobile device security.

These extra steps can keep hackers at bay. They can guess one’s password, but the added protection makes it extremely difficult to break into your system.

Many hackers and cyber thieves have sophisticated means of breaching the security systems of large corporations. However, the easiest way for a cybercriminal to break into a database is through human error.

An unsuspecting employee may click the wrong link in an email. Suddenly, the cyber thieves have the person’s login details. This is a common occurrence and points to the importance of employee education regarding cyber security.

Despite the employee’s mistake, it won’t hurt if MFA is in place. The hacker can get login details but will not be able to gain access without further verification steps.

Access codes sent to particular phone numbers and email addresses, or biometric verification steps, can send the intruder packing up and looking for cyber prey elsewhere.

Of course, many employees are working from home due to the pandemic. This results in increased risk from the lack of on-site supervision and the variety of personal devices used for work processes.

Hackers are trying and increasingly successful at targeting companies that have failed to update their protection for remote use. This is where MFA can provide a viable solution.

Implementing MFA is very simple. The configuration does not include any external hardware. A managed IT service provider can help a business successfully originate and implement the process. It may be easier than most business owners would consider and offers a proven solution with solid results.

Even companies like Microsoft have made it clear that more companies should use MFA. They believe that 99.9% of security breaches can be stopped with this simple change. It’s low risk for the business owner and can lead to potentially huge savings in the long run, especially if it helps prevent a security breach.

In general, multi-factor authentication is definitely a tried and tested approach and is applicable to all devices. A professional managed service provider can provide technical advice and support for adopting MFA. It can help businesses stop cyber thieves in their tracks.