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Security Tips and Features: Multi-Factor Authentication-Tech Tip for July 2, 2024

It’s time again to discuss security practices! For this month’s Tech Tips, we’ll be tackling some beneficial security-related topics from multi-factor authentication, to identifying spam emails, and we’ll also explore what a Microsoft Secure Score is and how it can be used in tandem with protecting your business. This week, we begin with multi-factor authentication.

Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Important

Multi-factor authentication is an effective tool that can reinforce compliance and add an extra layer of security. The Cyber Readiness Institute found that although 46% of small business owners may have incorporated MFA for use in their small businesses, that only 13% may be requiring individuals to use it in practice to authenticate access. 

In recent months, we have seen breaches occur that could have easily been prevented (‘Change Healthcare hackers broke in using stolen credentials—and no MFA, says UHG CEO,’ April 30, 2024, TechCrunch) had the organization been using MFA. We already know that MFA exists to be used as an extra layer of security and that ‘MFA can block over 99.9 percent of account compromise attacks’ (Microsoft).

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA; two-factor authentication, or 2FA) is a secure authentication method to confirm an individual’s identity and grant them access using two or more methods. It is used as an extra layer of security to work in tandem with other authentication methods, often arriving in the form of a One-Time Passcode (OTP) sent to an individual using a separate app and device.

Think of it as something you know (passwords, PINs, security questions or passphrases) with something you have (USB devices, mobile phones, security tokens), along with something you are (fingerprint scans, facial or voice recognition, iris scans, hand geometry). All these methods categorically work independently of each other, but together, they can protect against unauthorized access and reduce automated cyber-attacks.

MFA is an essential security measure that can reduce your organization’s risk when it comes to automated cyber-attacks. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Enable MFA in your organization today and take the first step toward a more secure future.

Be sure to follow along with us in our Tech Tip series for more technology tips.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Security and next steps for your business? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
    • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
    • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
  • Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
    • Take advantage of a 15% discount on Copilot licensing now through Dec 31, 2024 (terms and conditions apply).
    • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
  • Keep your infrastructure up to date:
    • SQL Server 2014 reaches End of Support (EOS) on July 9, 2024.
    • Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
    • Windows 11 feature update 23H2 is now available (September 2024).
    • Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of service (October 8, 2024) and will be required to upgrade to version 23H2 to continue receiving security updates.
    • Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions with 22H2 will continue to be supported after October 8, 2024.
  • Contact TechWise Group to get started or to put a plan in place.