What is Multi-Factor Authentication, and Why Does Your Business need It? Tips From Your Local Miami Managed IT Company

Today’s digital landscape is filled with hackers, cybercriminals, and other nefarious entities looking to take advantage of every opportunity they can find. As a result, companies of all sizes must take security measures beyond simple password protection on their websites and other online assets. Instead, businesses should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to help mitigate the risk of a breach in their system.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “authentication” or how it relates to security, you might think it has something to do with trust or belief. Those meanings are related but not quite the same thing. Authentication is a process through which we establish our identity based on criteria. It also describes a set of verification techniques that attempt to prove someone is who they claim to be. Here are four reasons why Your Business needs multi-factor authentication.

1. To Reduce the Risk of Unauthorized Access

Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires more than just a password to log in to an account. For example, you may receive a code from your bank that you can use on your mobile app as another layer of protection. In this case, the extra step prevents someone from logging into your account and accessing sensitive information online. More importantly, it also proves that you are who you say you are.

2. To Protect Against Phishing Attacks and Other Cyberattacks

Phishing is a term used to describe an attack in which someone uses fake emails or websites to trick users into giving up sensitive information such as passwords, bank accounts, or even social security numbers. The goal of such attacks is for the hacker to gain access to the user’s account without their knowledge or consent and then use the key they have obtained for financial gain or other nefarious purposes. Suppose you sign up for an email newsletter via a link in a message received via text message. In that case, you must verify through another channel (such as with your bank) before proceeding with any further actions on the website or app linked in the email message. The same goes for social media accounts: If someone asks you if they can follow or share links with your followers on Facebook or Twitter, be sure they provide proof of their identity before allowing them access to your page.

3. To Reduce the Risk of Account Takeover

Account takeover is an attack that can happen when hackers change passwords or other personal information (such as social security numbers or credit card numbers) and use that information to access online accounts belonging to the victim. This is a severe issue because it allows them to access accounts on social media, email, and other websites, which can be used to steal money or personal information. For example, if you use your bank’s mobile app as an extra layer of protection against phishing attacks and someone gets your password from an email they sent you, they could take over your account and access your money.

4. To Prevent Unauthorized Use of Corporate Resources

Businesses increasingly rely on the internet for their day-to-day operations: They need their employees and customers to log in securely to access essential files, collaborate with colleagues, get updates about customers, check up on orders, etc. If hackers can gain access to corporate resources, they could cause significant damage by using those resources for things like identity theft or fraud. By having employees sign in with two-factor authentication, businesses can confirm that their employees are who they say they are and limit the harm that could come from any unauthorized use of company resources.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to online security, there’s no such thing as being over-cautious. Given the number of cyber-attacks and data breaches that have occurred in the last few years, it should come as no surprise that users are increasingly worried about their digital security. With this in mind, businesses need to take every possible step they can to ensure their customers’ personal information is safe.

Managed IT in Miami Beach FL

In conclusion, to prevent your business from being a victim of cyber-attacks and data breaches that may affect your company due to downtime or a tarnished reputation, it’s important to follow the tips outlined in this article. If you’re unsure if your cybersecurity posture is strong, getting proper cybersecurity consulting from a reputable managed service provider, such as ARK Solvers, is a good way to solve issues or clear any doubts that you might have.