What is Multi-Factor Authentication and How Will it Help Your Business?

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-Factor Authentication is a second level of protection, using a password and usually a onetime code or biometrics that will authorise who you are. The idea behind this is that while someone else might have maliciously obtained your password, only you will have access to this second layer of protection whether it be a code, a finger print or even facial recognition.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?

MFA works by incorporating anther level into your login. As listed above, it is usually something that you are or that you will have on you. MFA that is something that you are can biometrics, a finger print, retinal or facial scan. These are all something only you will have.

Another method is something that you have. This could be either an app or mobile device that can receive or produce a onetime code for you to use to access your accounts. This is something that only you will have on your person, unless something has gone very wrong, which by this point, won’t be an IT issue.

MFA will secure your account by only allowing access to your account if these requirements of authentication are met.

Some systems permit access through the entry of two different passwords or a PIN and a password, or a couple of letters from a password and a couple of numbers from a PIN. This is not true multi-factor authentication.

The Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication to Your Business

If you do not already have MFA in place in your business, there are many reasons for why you should implement it:

• MFA provides a level playing field as far as security is concerned for both on-site and off-site employees regardless of privilege level. There have been concerns over security for those who work off-site and general distrust in existing security methods
• It eliminates the problems caused by poor password choice, or repeated use of the same password. Despite persistent warnings, employees still overwhelmingly choose “password” and “123456” to access secure business data. These are easy for hackers to guess. Introducing a second or even a third step makes unauthorised access much harder
• It is flexible, permitting the user to define authentication level, adding security levels depending on the technology available and the devices used. Businesses can then define how employees may access a system and standardise it across the enterprise
• Phishing and smishing, malware, and other forms of direct malicious action become less of a threat when there is a second or third step for authentication. A password can be reproduced, but a fingerprint cannot. Also, if they do not have access to the correct mobile device, they cannot obtain an authentication code

If you would like more information or help and advice call First Stop IT on 0345 450 7876 or use our contact form HERE