You wouldn’t drive without a seat belt. You wouldn’t leave your office unlocked overnight. So why go online without multifactor authentication (MFA)? For Vancouver businesses, MFA is a critical part of any cybersecurity strategy, especially when paired with managed IT services and responsive IT support.
MFA: Your Digital Seat Belt
MFA is like a second lock on your digital door. Instead of relying on just a password, which can be stolen, guessed, or phished, it adds another layer of protection, such as a text code, authentication app, or fingerprint scan. Even if a hacker gets your password, without that second step they’ll hit a dead end.
One Step Can Make All the Difference
If locking your front door at night is your password, arming your security system before heading to bed is MFA. It simply adds a quick extra step to confirm that it really is you logging in. Terms like 'two-step verification,' 'two-factor authentication,' or 'one-time password' all refer to MFA, two or more steps to confirm your identity before granting access to confidential information.
Common Forms of MFA
MFA can take many forms, including:
- Account-creation confirmation emails
- Bank security questions
- Text codes
- Push notifications
- Phone calls
Real-Life Moments MFA Saves the Day
While MFA is quick and easy for users, it’s a major roadblock for hackers. If an unauthorized user tries to log in, MFA sends a notification or code, alerting you to the breach and giving you time to change your password. Even if a hacker tricks an employee into sharing their login, they still won’t get in without that extra step.
Microsoft found that enabling MFA reduces the risk of account compromise by over 99.2% and by 99.99% for accounts with MFA enabled.
Where and How to Set Up MFA
The most important places to enable MFA include:
- Banking and finance apps
- Email and cloud storage
- Social media accounts
- Work logins with client or proprietary information
Many major platforms offer built-in MFA. Simply enable the option that works best for you and build it into your workflow. Adding an authenticator app can make staff logins more secure.
Don’t Leave Your Business Vulnerable
MFA is a quick, free way to block the majority of account hacks. Taking a few minutes to enable it today can save you from weeks or years of damage control and data loss. The easiest way to set up MFA is to contact your IT provider. A knowledgeable MSP will make the process even smoother.
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