Did you know that two factor authentication can provide a better experience for employees? Not only does it protect their devices from malware and phishing, but it also offers multiple layers of protection to the data on those devices. This blog post, will discuss the benefits of multi-factor authentication in the workplace and how it can improve your business.
What is MFA (Multi Factor Authentication)?
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is a security measure that requires more than one means of ID to authenticate users. It is an additional layer of protection when logging in and can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. MFA also adds convenience for the user by eliminating multiple passwords or codes on different devices (e.g., phone, computer).
The Benefits of Multi Factor Authentication
Seven benefits of MFA multi-factor authentication include:
– MFA can help protect against malware and phishing attacks.
– Helps to avoid password fatigue for users
– Improved security & reduced risk of leaked data on mobile devices.
– Access is granted only after successfully verifying the user’s identity by using two or more factors of authentication.
– Helps to prevent phishing attacks by requiring a unique, one time password (generated on the user’s device) every time they log in
– Provides an extra layer of protection when it comes to logging in through mobile devices and computers.
– Remove the need for complex passwords. Your staff’s login credentials will be secure if they implement multi factor authentication.
Identity theft is on the rise, and it’s essential to implement security measures to protect your business from data breaches. MFA is a great way to protect your staff from weak or stolen passwords, which could expose sensitive data.
What are the three types of multi factor authentication?
There are three types of multi factor authentication :
– Knowledge factors: PINs, passwords, codes, etc.
– Possession factor: a physical token device or fob, something you have like a keycard or ID card that generates one time passwords.
– Inherence factor: part of you such as fingerprints, voice recognition, retina scan.
What’s an example of multi factor authentication?
Some examples of multi factor authentication are:
– Sending a verification code to your phone that needs to be entered before accessing the system.
– A one time passcode that is generated by an app on your mobile device.
– A one time passcode that is sent to your email
To protect sensitive company data from being compromised, it is vital to have this added layer to prevent a security breach.
What are the cons of multi-factor authentication?
The downside to using MFA multi-factor authentication is that it can be frustrating for the end user to take out another device to get a code sent to them. If the code is delayed via email or text message, this could hurt productivity.
Additionally, if a user loses access to their mobile phone or application, there is more of a hassle to recover the account when authentication factors are involved.
What is a common authentication method?
Using single sign on (SSO) is a common authentication method that allows you to access multiple applications with one set of credentials. This means there are fewer passwords to remember, which can be convenient for the end user and reduce chances for error in authenticating users correctly.
How to set up two step authentication?
To set up two step authentication, you will need to install authenticator apps on your mobile device. Use an application such as Google Authenticator. Once the app is downloaded, it needs to be activated by scanning a QR code that appears during account setup to access the time-sensitive one time passwords.
Where can you use MFA (Multi Factor Authentication)?
Multi factor is a viable option for every account you have. It’s ideal to have MFA enabled on the accounts that contain personal information at a minimum. This would include accounts that contain bank information, debit cards, sensitive computer systems, and more. The benefits of multi factor authentication on your accounts will far outweigh the hassle of inputting additional physical tokens.
How to Reduce Security Risks with Multi factor
You can reduce your businesses security risks with multi factor authentication by:
– Using MFA (multi factor authentication) for all employees, including high-level executives.
– Educating your staff on the benefits of using an authenticator app to protect their accounts with two step verification.
– Periodically checking in with employees who have access to sensitive data and making sure they adhere to best security practices when it comes to social media sites or other online services where personal information is being shared.
Hackers can gain access to sensitive data through malicious attacks. Two factor authentication can strengthen network security by having an added layer of protection to an organization’s network, reducing the chance that someone will gain unwanted access. It is crucial for organizations with valuable information stored on their networks or online services to take advantage of multi-factor authentication to protect themselves from costly cyber-attacks.
What other added security measures should our business take?
You want to start by ensuring your MFA is implemented correctly. You can test this by logging in and out of your accounts with the authenticator app. Other information security options we recommend would be full disk encryption, SSO solution, critical data audits, set your password to expire, use unique passwords, and share online resources with your users. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing confidential data. Hackers steal accounts and personal information every day by accessing a users system, don’t be the weakest link. You can measure your network security risks by performing a penetration test for your business.
Why invest in MFA (Multi Factor Authentication)?
The primary benefit of using MFA is to meet a standard of security requirements within your business. MFA implementation is straightforward and doesn’t cost your business money. You will only have a time investment in this security solution. Often users express that its time consuming to log into their accounts; having the second factor in place is a vital requirement for IT security standardization. Using a multifactor solution can help with achieving compliance in your industry, such as HIPAA, PCI, etc.
Gain Access to Accounts & implement multi factor authentication
User access is simple with the Google Authenticator MFA tool. It’s as simple as inputting your username, password, and time-sensitive one time passwords. You will also need to install the authenticator app on your mobile device and connect it with the proper account so you can access data from anywhere, anytime.
A user will not gain unauthorized access without their password, verification code, or fingerprint/iris scan, depending on what type of two step verification has been set up by IT administrators. It’s essential for companies to implement MFA to prevent costly cyber-attacks that often lead to severe damage if left unaddressed.
What is the purpose of MFA?
Multi-factor authentication is designed to protect your business account with multiple layers of security. Implementing multi-factor authentication will help your business comply with security standards and protect against phishing, account hijacking, and other types of online fraud.
Unlimited Access with MFA
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to MFA Implementations. You can use the Google authenticator application with multiple accounts at no charge. The application will generate a unique password for each account. One method to make the staff’s lives easier is to use one application for all their accounts. They have many options from Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authentication, etc. All of the user’s password will remain in one place for peace of mind and accessibility.
In Conclusion:
Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that has been around for a while but it often is underutilized. Not only does this technology increase the security of your login process, but it also reduces cyber-attacks and hackers from malicious attempts to your business! If you don’t have multi-factor authentication in place already, contact our IT consultants or our Cybersecurity experts for additional insight on how we can help. We will provide you with all of the information about what it takes to get started and make custom recommendations for your organization.