If you are a business leader wondering how to protect your company data from cyber threats, this article is for you!
As engineering manager at an IT managed support services provider, I have daily conversations with customers about a variety of cybersecurity tools. The tricks and tools hackers use are constantly evolving, but so are the solutions you can use to protect your data and assets.
In this article, I’ll explain what multi-factor authentication (MFA) is and how it works to protect business infrastructures, so you can decide if it would be a good tool for your organization.
And don’t worry, I won’t try to convince you that we are the best solution for you.
We know our approach is different, but the truth is there are many IT support providers out there and rather than use scare tactics to convince you to work with us, we believe in providing honest information you can use to evaluate your options and decide on the best technology solutions for you.
For us, it’s more important that you have the tools you need to keep your business infrastructure safe, available, and efficient, whether that means working together or not. Don’t get me wrong, we’d welcome you as a partner, but if we aren’t the right fit for your organization the partnership won’t be as effective as it could be for you.
What Is MFA?
We know that the tools hackers use to get valuable information are constantly evolving, but so are the solutions you can use to protect your data and assets.
MFA is a tool many organizations use to add a layer of protection for their infrastructure, devices, and data.
MFA is a security measure that requires people to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access to an application, website, service or device. With MFA, you are adding an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it more difficult for hackers to access your data.
How Does MFA Work?
MFA is versatile, easy to set up, works on various devices, and can be completely customized for the end user.
Some MFA solutions require a combination of username, password, and biometric (maybe a fingerprint or an eye scan for example). Others require a username, password and unique code from a token or “fob.” There are other options which include a push notification sent to your mobile device that requires you to approve it before allowing you access.
Whatever format the additional identification takes, we say the combination of those identifiers represent:
- something the user knows (password)
- something the user possesses (a code from an MFA token, or approval via their phone)
- something the user is or that is inherent to that person (like a biometric scan)
Without presenting multiple pieces of identification, the user can’t gain access. While MFA isn’t the only security solution your organization needs, it provides another strong layer of defense against hackers.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is the operational lead for federal cybersecurity and the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, the use of MFA on your accounts makes you 99 percent less likely to be hacked.
Benefits of MFA
Implementing MFA brings numerous benefits.
1. Improved Security
Just like a security camera is a deterrent against crime, MFA adds an additional layer of security for your information and devices. It makes it harder for criminals to gain access. And, it helps keep remote work safe.
2. Reduced Risk
Since MFA makes it harder for criminals to gain access, they may give up and look for an easier target.
3. Simple Implementation
MFA is relatively simple to implement. In fact, most new platforms already include the capability and it is just a matter of the administrator activating it.
4. Cost Savings
MFA is inexpensive and the extra layer of protection it offers helps dissuade hackers, making it less likely that you will need to pay for an expensive cybersecurity breach recovery.
5. Identity Verification
Increased validation that the person gaining access is an authorized user.
6. Compliance
MFA may be a contractual or regulatory requirement of your contracts. It also is typically required as a pre-requisite to qualify for cyber liability insurance.
What’s The Bottom Line?
In this article, we’ve defined MFA, explained how it works in general terms, and listed the benefits of this cybersecurity tool. Again, this tool cannot stand alone, but is an important layer in a holistic cybersecurity approach.
But successful implementation requires careful planning. It’s important to communicate with your users the reasons MFA is being implemented and the benefits it provides. Without this key step, users may not embrace this relatively simple, but important technology.
Some users may view this as “another step” before they can access what they need to do their job. While it is an additional step, it takes only seconds and provides measurable security improvements. I’ve found that when we communicate this to users, they are much less resistant to implementation.
Or, you may find that users who don’t have company-issued phones are hesitant to use their personal devices to verify their identity. In my experience, once they understand the value that MFA provides, they often put their hesitation aside more easily.
Now that you have the information, you can decide whether MFA is right for your organization. Having said that, I’ve yet to find a situation where MFA is not applicable.
If you are still on the fence, check out these three common myths about MFA.
Whether you have internal resources or need to look to an external provider to help you implement it, I highly recommend taking action to implement this simple, but effective tool.
Already implemented MFA? Find out five common business IT security tools you’ll need in place to qualify for cybersecurity liability insurance.
Remember, MFA is your proactive defense against evolving cyber threats, but it doesn’t do everything. The best way to improve your cybersecurity defenses is with a combination of tools including regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
If you are considering external IT support to implement cybersecurity solutions, I encourage you to explore several options to find one that is the best fit for you. At Kelser, we take this advice so seriously that we’ve even done some of the legwork for you. Read this article to learn how Kelser stacks up against The Walker Group or visit the Kelser Learning Center for other comparison articles.
Use this list of the 10 best questions to ask any IT provider when evaluating your options.
And, if during the exploration of external providers, you find yourself wanting to talk with a human, click the link below and one of our IT support specialists will reach out to schedule a 15-minute phone call at your convenience to learn more about your organization, your current IT situation, and your goals.
