Multifactor authentication offers an additional layer of security to protect your company from the leading cause of data breach — compromised credentials. It forces users to give extra information (or factors, the F in MFA) in order to access corporate applications, networks and servers.

Multifactor authentication uses a combination of the following factors:
1. Something you know: such as your username, password, PIN or answers to security questions
2. Something you have: like a smartphone, one-time passcode or Smart Card
3. Something you are: typically biometrics, like your fingerprint, retina scans or voice recognition

Why should you implement multifactor authentication?

Verizon’s 2018 Data Breach Investigations Report lists the #1 threat action in a breach is hacking using stolen credentials. Are you 100% confident the user credentials across your company are airtight?

With so many credentials compromised and made available to attackers, password-based security is no longer effective. Because MFA requires multiple methods for identification, it’s one of the best ways to prevent unauthorized users from accessing corporate data.

It’s not enough to pick and choose which apps, users, or resources need MFA — that still leaves your organization vulnerable to attack. Integrating MFA across every user (end users and privileged users), and every IT resource (cloud and on-premises apps, VPN, endpoints, servers and privilege elevation) blocks cyberattacks at multiple points in the attack chain — and protects against compromised credentials.

What major companies are doing to keep you safe

1. Google
For both individuals and corporate environments, Google has made it easy to implement 2-step or MFA to protect you. Check out this guide that walks a user through a simple implementation workflow.

2. Microsoft
The TechNet blog does a nice job of explaining how to set up of many security-focused features you may already own in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office 365, and Microsoft Azure. By implementing some or all of these items, an organization will significantly increase security against phishing email attacks designed to steal user identities.

It’s not if, but when
Most cybercriminals are motivated by the same old thing: money. If there is a way they can steal cold hard cash using you, they will. They’ll use tactics like stealing payment card data, personally identifiable information, health records, business documents or your intellectual property.

Criminals don’t care who they take money from — small businesses are just as susceptible as global companies. Ignore the stereotype of sophisticated cybercriminals targeting billion-dollar big businesses. Most attacks are opportunistic and target not the big names, but the unprepared.

Want more? Cyber Solutions Technologies can help your business with mobile cybersecurity. Contact us today for an expert consultation.

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