Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access an account on business systems. This can be done by requiring users to enter a code from their phone, provide a fingerprint, or use a security key.
MFA is important because it makes it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they have your username and password.
There are benefits and reasons to implement MFA.
- It can help to protect your accounts from unauthorized access. If a hacker steals a username and password, they will still need to have access to the phone or security key in order to log in.
- It can help to prevent fraud. MFA can help to prevent fraud by requiring users to provide additional verification when they try to log in from a new device or location.
- It can help to comply with security regulations. Many organizations are now required to implement MFA in order to comply with security regulations. This is because MFA is an effective way to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
- Promotes cybersecurity awareness within your organisation.
If you are not already using MFA, we advise you to implement it for all of your important business systems. It is a simple and cost effective way to protect your online security and most modern systems have the capabilities already in place. Legacy systems that cannot use MFA should be phased out, updated, or replaced.
Here are some considerations for implementing MFA:
- Implement single sign-on (SSO) with all company systems. This reduces the attack surfaces and prevents users writing down different passwords for different systems. Overall improves enterprise security and MFA is easier to apply.
- Create a strong password policy within your company.
- Enable MFA on all important business systems, including email, financial and customer systems.
- Choose the most appropriate MFA for your business. There are many different types of MFA methods available, so choose the one that works best for you. Get advice from a cybersecurity expert.
- Keep your devices secure. Make sure that your mobile devices and laptops are secure and that you have strong passwords on them.
- Be able to lock mobile devices remotely if they get lost or stolen.