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.