As technology advances, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever before. Businesses, big and small, are vulnerable to cyber attacks that can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. We’ll explore ways to increase your business’s cybersecurity and protect it from potential threats in this blog series.
This first instalment discusses the importance of using multi-factor authentication to secure online and on-premises accounts.
Introduction
Businesses must take the necessary steps to protect their data and systems from cyber threats. One of the most effective ways to do this is by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more forms of authentication to access a system or service, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access. In this article, we discuss the importance of MFA for business security. Sometimes this is also referred to as two-factor authentication (2FA).
Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the biggest benefits of using MFA is that it’s free to deploy most of the time. Many services, such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, offer MFA options as a built-in feature. This means that companies can implement MFA without any additional costs or investments in hardware or software.
With a paid service like DUO, you can add a layer of security to your remote desktop and VPN connections by requiring users to use MFA. This ensures that only authorised users are granted access to your network, even if their login credentials are compromised.
Improved Security
MFA is essential for businesses because it provides an additional layer of protection against cyber attacks. Even if a user’s account password is compromised, an attacker will find it harder to gain access to the account without also having access to the MFA method. This is because MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of authentication to access a system or service. This can help prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data or systems, even if the password is compromised.
By implementing MFA, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats. The additional security layer provided by MFA can help prevent hackers from accessing critical business data or systems, protecting the business from financial losses and reputational damage.
Overcoming Challenges
While implementing MFA may seem like a no-brainer, it can be challenging to train staff to get used to using it. This can cause frustration and pushback from employees who are used to the simplicity of just using a password to access their accounts. However, it’s essential that businesses push through this initial challenge and prioritise training to ensure that all employees understand the importance of using MFA. Once staff are trained, the benefits of MFA far outweigh any inconvenience caused during the transition period. This kind of challenge can also be mitigated by using a staff training platform such as uSecure to train your staff on the correct use of MFA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MFA is a free and easy-to-implement measure that can significantly enhance a company’s security position. While it may be initially challenging to train staff to use it, the benefits of MFA make it an essential component of any company’s security strategy. By implementing MFA, businesses can protect themselves from potential cyber threats and safeguard their critical data and systems.
Contact Us for Expert Support
If you need assistance with deploying multi-factor authentication in your business, get in contact with New England Business Technology by calling (02) 6771 4072 for expert guidance and support. Our team of experts can help you implement MFA and provide ongoing support to ensure that your business is protected from potential cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today and take the necessary steps to protect your business.
