Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Is Important – Why Does It Say So?
Passwords might be difficult to remember. The criteria for a safe password are getting more and more complicated today. However, many websites still require
users to complete multi-factor authentication (MFA), frequently in the form of an SMS verification number, regardless of how complex your password is. Not
only do they want proof that you are who you claim to be, but companies are starting to demand it as well.
MFA: What Is It?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) uses various pieces of information to confirm a user’s identity. MFA demands credentials from a minimum of two of the following
3 categories in place of the conventional username and password:
1. User-generated information, such as password or PIN
2. User-owned items like a smart card or smartphone
3. User-identifiable traits like voice recognition or fingerprints
MFA has two subsets: 2FA and 3FA. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the name of the process where two types of authentication are utilized. Three-factor
authentication, or 3FA, is the name given to the technique if three are utilized.
What Makes MFA Important?
Hackers can enter a company’s network without authorization when they take usernames and passwords. MFA is crucial since it offers an additional authentication
layer that hackers won’t be able to access while attempting to connect to your system. For instance, a special code is delivered to each smartphone when users
input their usernames and passwords. Before access is permitted, that code must be typed into the system, and frequently, hackers will have your password but
not your real phone.
Hackers can’t access the system unless they have access to the verification code. Adding the second authentication factor of MFA is one approach to increase
security since most of the data breaches may be attributed to poor password security.
Why MFA is Critical for Distributed Workforces
Many businesses were unprepared for the early move to remote and dispersed workforces. Their system was not built to accommodate remote workers. There
were insufficient or nonexistent policies and procedures for remote employees. To get staff online, IT departments or service providers were in a rush. The effects
of remote employees on cybersecurity were not taken into account by enterprises in their haste to get operational.
During the pandemic, the number of cybercrimes doubled across all industries. The rise in the percentage of workers who do their jobs from home can be partly
blamed for that increase. For instance, the strong security needed for a remote workforce may not be included in user credentials for login onto the company’s
network from the office. MFA helps protect user credentials because many remote employees can be utilizing unsafe home or public networks. It can reduce the
likelihood that hackers would use phishing or social engineering techniques to obtain illegal access. MFA can also help remote IT staff who are trying to safeguard
a company’s infrastructure and deal with customer requests.
How Can MFA Improve Cybersecurity?
Every time a person logs in from a different device using MFA, their identities are verified. This indicates that an authorization checks, such as a passcode, is delivered
to a user’s email account or smartphone. Before access is given, the passcode must be entered. MFA can make sure that a malicious person cannot acquire access
in an environment where more individuals are working from home and may be utilizing various devices.
MFA can block bot assaults as well. Bots are unable to intercept codes, and manual attempts to get around MFA prompts have failed. The only methods that can
compromise MFA-activated accounts are extremely sophisticated ones or brute-force attacks. A stolen password or PIN might become worthless with MFA since
a bad actor requires a second factor to get access.
Use MFA for Your Organization
Still not sure whether the MFA solution is best for your company or does MFA make sense? When your organization works with ACM, you will not only get complete
IT support, but we can also provide professional advice on MFA solutions for your business. To find out more, get in contact with us via the hotline at
6295 5962 or email at info@achievement.com.sg
to learn more about MFA!
