Typing in a simple username and password is no longer enough to protect your data in the business technology world, which is why multi-factor authentication is such an important security measure. The cybercrime industry is after our most vulnerable information, and businesses are now forced to fight back with stronger cybersecurity practices.
According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report, 81% of confirmed breaches involve weak, default, or stolen passwords. Multi-factor authentication is something that will benefit both your users and your organization.
WHAT IS IT?
According to Yubico, there are plenty of opportunities available for hackers to take advantage of, as 55% of users do not use any form of multi-factor authentication at work. While it is good to have a strong password, taking extra precautions is always recommended. When using multi-factor authentication, a user is only granted access into an account after completing extra steps to confirm that it is indeed their account. For example, if you are trying to access your email, instead of only entering your password for access, you may also receive a push notification on your mobile device to confirm that it's actually you. If the information doesn't match up, you don't receive access to the account.
How else does multi-factor authentication protect your personal information? If a hacker attempts to gain access to your account, you should receive a notification of some sort to complete the second step of logging in. If you are not attempting to access your account, and you are alerted by a notification, that is an immediate sign that someone could be trying to hack you. From there, you will have the ability to respond immediately by changing your passwords and contacting your IT provider.
YOU HAVE OPTIONS
While any form of multi-factor authentication is a good start, here are some options you can consider:
- Any multi-factor authentication that requires an SMS, email, or voice call with one-time codes.
- "Push" prompts where users receive a notification on another device with an "approve" button as a way to confirm it is really them attempting to access their account.
- Universal 2-factor security keys users can plug directly into their computer to confirm access.
A strong security tip is to ensure your accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords and the best multi-factor option you can reasonably use. There are plenty of multi-factor authentication platforms out there, so it's important to consult your IT team on an option that works best for your business. While you can make multi-factor authentication an optional security setting, many businesses decide to make this extra step required to ensure they are following the strongest security practices.
