Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects a firm 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 get in. For a firm holding source code, client data and access into bank networks, MFA is one of the strongest and simplest protections available.
Passwords get stolen, phished and reused all the time. MFA is what stops a stolen password becoming a breach. Here’s why it matters and how to do it well.
1. It blocks stolen-password attacks
Most account takeovers start with a password that has been phished or leaked. With MFA in place, the attacker still cannot get in, because they do not have the second factor. This alone stops the majority of account attacks.
2. It protects access to sensitive systems
Your code, your client data and your connections into external networks all sit behind logins. Putting MFA in front of them means a single compromised password cannot open all those doors.
3. It’s quick once it’s set up well
Modern MFA is usually a tap on a phone app. Set up properly, it adds strong protection with only a moment of effort, so there is no real friction for your team.
4. It’s expected by clients and insurers
Banks, clients, accreditations and cyber insurers increasingly require MFA. Having it in place is both good protection and a clear answer when someone asks how you secure access.
A real example: MFA managed across the firm
We supported a software company serving financial trading firms where MFA protected the accounts used to reach systems and external networks, and we handled the day-to-day, like re-enrolling people on new phones. As one user said: “resolved the MFA issue very quickly.”
For most technology and trading firms, this sits within fully managed IT at about £45 to £100 per user per month, billed per user, with the security and resilience these businesses rely on built in.
Why technology and trading firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including software and technology companies and firms that serve financial markets. We know the systems these teams depend on: secure VPN and remote access, source control and build pipelines, virtual dev and test environments, Microsoft 365 and Teams, and the security that banks and regulators expect, from multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection to application allowlisting and email security. We work with technology and trading firms 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.