6 Reasons to Adopt MFA in Your Business Today

Cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated techniques to bypass security. So, the more barriers you put in their way, the harder you make it for them to break into your systems. According to Microsoft, MFA prevents 99.9% of automated assaults on its platforms, websites, and online services. If that wasn’t enough, here are our top 6 reasons to adopt MFA in your business today.

1. It can protect your business from weak passwords

According to Cybernews, passwords like ‘123456’ and ‘Passw0rd’ are amongst the most commonly used. Weak passwords open the door to all kinds of data breaches. ‘Password-dumper’ malware, which steals login credentials from victims’ devices, was involved in a third of malware-related data breaches in 2020. And 80% of hacking-related breaches involved passwords in some way.

MFA prevents this. Because while cybercriminals may still try to steal your password, they are less likely to have access to your second and third identification factors – such as your fingerprint.

2. It prevents other methods of password theft

Even if a cybercriminal can’t break into your network to steal passwords, they have other methods that are equally successful. ‘Phishing’ attacks trick victims into giving away sensitive information using scam emails, SMS, or phone calls. And ‘pharming’ involves redirecting a website’s traffic to a fake site, run by criminals, where they steal data or install malware.

So even if you’re tricked into entering credentials in this way, the fraudsters still won’t be able to access your accounts without another form of authentication.

3. It makes using unmanaged devices more secure

Ideally, all your remote and hybrid workers will be on secure devices and internet connections, using security managed by your IT professional. But be honest – how many times have you logged onto your email account during the weekend using your personal laptop?

It might feel harmless, but it could allow an intruder to access not only your unmanaged device but also your router and, eventually, the company network. If you use MFA, you can be less concerned about a cybercriminal gaining access this way, thanks to the additional layers of security.

4. It allows your other security tools to perform properly

If a criminal steals over-simple login credentials, they can bypass antivirus software and firewalls like an authorized employee could – with some knowledge. This allows them to disarm your security and wreak havoc, all without you noticing anything is amiss.

With MFA in place, this can’t happen. Cybercriminals can’t use stolen credentials to access your network because they can’t pass these second and even third identity checks. MFA can also act as an alert that your accounts are at risk. If someone attempts to log in, you’ll receive a secondary authorization prompt you didn’t request. This can be immediately reported to ensure everything is safe and sound.

5. It keeps you compliant

When you handle and store sensitive data, your business must comply with local laws stating that you need robust authentication processes in place. MFA is a strong tool to keep the private data of customers, suppliers, and employees out of the wrong hands.

6. It can save a lot of stress

There’s always something to worry about as a business owner. Putting strong security measures like MFA in place can take a lot of weight off your shoulders. Better still, there’s less chance of an employee making an innocent mistake and revealing their credentials to a fake login site (we still highly recommend regular cybersecurity awareness training, though.)

Adopting MFA

MFA isn’t the answer to all your cybersecurity prayers. But it slams the door on most of today’s cybercrimes. So, if you don’t already have it enabled across your network and its systems, you might be leaving that door open to a cyberattack anytime.

MFA solutions are just one of the services we provide our clients daily. If you’re worried about protecting your business, get in touch now.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.