Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects your practice by requiring a second check beyond the password, usually a quick approval on a phone, before anyone can log in. That means a stolen or guessed password on its own is not enough to reach your email, your hosted desktop or your client data. For an accountancy firm, especially one serving high-profile clients, it’s one of the strongest and simplest protections available.
Passwords get phished, leaked and reused all the time. MFA is what stops a stolen password becoming a breach. Here’s why it matters.
1. It blocks stolen-password attacks
Most account takeovers start with a password that’s been phished or leaked. With Duo in place, the attacker still can’t get in, because they don’t have the second factor. This alone stops the majority of account attacks.
2. It protects the hosted desktop and email
Your hosted desktop and mailboxes hold your client work and data, so they’re prime targets. MFA in front of both means a stolen password can’t open the door to the systems your firm runs on.
3. It’s quick once it’s set up well
Duo is usually a tap on a phone. Set up properly, it adds strong protection with only a moment of effort, so there’s no real friction for your team, even at busy times.
4. It’s expected by clients and insurers
Clients and cyber insurers increasingly require MFA, and it’s part of Cyber Essentials. Having it in place is both good protection and a clear answer when someone asks how you secure access to client data.
A real example: MFA across Windows and the hosted desktop
We support a London accountancy practice serving music and entertainment clients where we rolled out Duo MFA across both Windows logon and the hosted-desktop environment. Every route into the firm’s systems now needs a second factor, hardening the most sensitive access points for a practice handling high-value clients’ data.
For most music and entertainment accountancy firms, this sits within fully managed IT at about £45 to £100 per user per month, billed per user, with secure remote access and the protection client data needs built in.
Why music and entertainment accountants choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including London accountancy practices serving music and entertainment clients. We know the software your firm runs every day: CCH, QTAC, QuickBooks, payroll software, FYI and INVU, alongside Microsoft 365 and hosted desktops, and we understand the discretion high-profile clients expect. We support accountancy practices in London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Not sure MFA is set up well across your firm? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll check it.