The Basics of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
People are utilising more online and smartphone apps than ever before to access the services they require in today's increasingly digital world. Your employees register and create accounts with usernames and passwords to use these apps.
Passwords alone aren't enough to keep your business and clients safe when it comes to authentication. Did you know around…
80% of known data breaches are due to weak, reused or stolen credentials
59% of people mostly or always use the same password
42% of people keep passwords in an unprotected file
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) takes your businesses security to the next level.
What
Multi-factor authentication is an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism.
These two or more pieces of authentication may include:
Something you know (a password or a PIN)
Something you have (a mobile phone or a token)
Something you are (a fingerprint or other biometric data)
Choosing the proper MFA solution is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to improve overall security and protect your company from cyberattacks.
99% of all breaches can be blocked with multi-factor authentication.
Hassle-Free
It doesn't have to be a headache for your IT department to set up MFA. Many organisations, particularly Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), avoid it because they believe it will be inconvenient, but you may focus on adaptable and easy solutions to implement. Many MFA solutions will interact with your current infrastructure and be implemented without the need for manual setup on each device.
Educate
Humans are usually the weak link, which is terrible but true. Therefore, as you deploy MFA, it would be beneficial to teach your employees how to choose good lengthy and complicated passwords and how to recognise phishing scams and other suspicious activity.
You can also educate them on how to utilise MFA on their own devices. They presumably read business emails and other similar things on their mobile phones, primarily if they work from home. Ensure that your staff utilise VPNs on their laptops and phones and that confidential information is exclusively stored on company-secured devices and servers.
Biometric data is perhaps the most difficult-to-hack MFA option if you have the infrastructure to support it. However, even if you can't apply it across the board, keep in mind that most smartphones already have this capacity. As a result, urge staff to utilise fingerprint locks on their business phones and personal devices.
Conclusion
Redgate IT is experienced in managing, training and securing your business from potential cyber security threats by implementing their proactive approach. Don’t wait for a security breach, act now and contact us for more information.