Whether it’s for business or pleasure, the main security of most accounts you use will typically only be protected by a password. The scary thing about this, is that passwords actually provide very little protection. Once a password has been stolen, hackers can use that to hack into your account.
How strong are your passwords?
If you’re the kind of person who is thinking “I use my pet dog’s name for all my passwords”, you need to go through and change all your passwords right now. Using weak passwords, using the same password for multiple applications, and storing passwords in insecure places, makes it incredibly easy for hackers to access your accounts.
Cyber attacks are only getting more serious and devious. Recently, the world experienced the biggest ransomware attack we have ever seen (if you’re curious to know more, check our blog on it).
You may have the mentality of ‘this won’t happen to me’, but you couldn’t be any more wrong. Hackers hunt down businesses like yours, knowing that the majority of people won’t have adequate measures in place. Around 44% of people have experienced a phishing attack in the workplace. Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. It’s never too late to act and put something in place to prevent it from happening.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
This is when Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA, comes into it. MFA is used to ensure that the user trying to access data is who they say they are, by requiring that they provide at least two pieces of evidence of their identity. For example, if you put in your password like normal, then a code will be sent to your phone which you will then have to put it in order to access that data.
Why is this necessary are you wondering? So, if a hacker steals your password and tries to log in, they won’t be able to access the information because they won’t have the code that will be send to your phone. Also, you will get a notification on your phone which will indicate to you that someone is trying to log into your account.
Why use MFA?
MFA will have a positive impact on your business and provide many benefits. The main one being it will provide an extra level of security for your accounts and data, securing it all from hackers. Cybercrime has risen by 31%, only in the last year and it’s only increasing. So having protection from hackers is needed more and more each day.
If your staff have weak passwords, having MFA will mitigate the risks of hackers discovering these passwords and trying to break into your important business data.
MFA is very easy and simple to implement into your business. Also, it will increase productivity for employees because it is very straightforward to use when logging into accounts.
If you are thinking about getting MFA for your business check out our guide, explaining the 5 reasons your business should have MFA – to get your FREE copy click here.
As an IT service provider, Ingenio has expert knowledge in cyber security and how to keep your business safe. If you are interested in MFA or want to discuss the safety of your business, contact us. Call 01273 806211 or email [email protected].
