What is Multifactor Authentication and Why You and Your Business Should Be Using It?

30 Nov What is Multifactor Authentication and Why You and Your Business Should Be Using It?

Online security and the security of your devices have never been more important. Traditionally, the main way to keep applications, data, and devices secure was to use passwords. However, passwords have too many flaws to be effective. 

Firstly, usernames are often easy to guess. And many people ignore the best advice about passwords – to use randomly generated combinations of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Because these types of passwords are nearly impossible to remember many people either remember one password and use it for everything or use easy-to-remember passwords. Both options increase the risk of unauthorised access. 

Multifactor authentication adds an additional layer of security that is much harder for attackers to get through. 

What is Multifactor Authentication? 

Multifactor authentication is already used for a range of apps and online services. In fact, your online banking app probably uses multifactor authentication. It is sometimes referred to as two-step verification. 

It simply means requiring you need two types of authentication in order to sign in. Your username and password might be one, but you will then need another for the login to be successful. 

The second step in the authentication could be a pin number, getting a code to your phone or email address, or using your fingerprint. 

Where Should You Use Multifactor Authentication? 

You should use multifactor authentication wherever it is available. In your business, access to your systems should be protected by multifactor authentication, particularly when your team is accessing remotely. 

You should also use multifactor authentication on your email, when accessing Office 365, and any other business app, platform, or service you use. And MFA isn’t just for individuals, companies in all industries should consider making multifactor authentication a compulsory requirement for their systems.  

You should also encourage your staff to use multi-factor authentication on their personal accounts and devices. This is especially important if you use a work device to access a personal account, such as your banking app or personal email. 

You can also get tools that boost security through multifactor authentication and secure access. Microsoft Authenticator is one example. It lets you use your phone to log in to Microsoft services instead of a password, plus it has multifactor authentication capabilities. When you use apps like this, be sure to keep your phone and app up to date. This will ensure you always have secure access to the applications you need when you need them. 

Help with Multifactor Authentication and More 

At Transpeed, we can help you and your team set up multifactor authentication, plus we offer a range of other cybersecurity and IT services. Our contracts offer unlimited support, ensuring you get the help you need, whatever the issue. Get in touch today.