What is Two Factor Authentication?
Remember when logging into something was as easy as pasting in your username and password? So do we, but let’s not be fooled into thinking those were the good old days. Accessing any account that contains any personal or business data, needs to be protected by more than just a username and password, otherwise it is vulnerable to being compromised. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) is becoming a fact of modern life, enabling us to add an extra layer of security when logging into systems and applications. If you don’t have 2FA or Multifactor Authentication enabled for the online services you use, make sure you read on.
2FA is a two step authentication process used when logging into a website or online service. In addition to entering your username and password you will also need a further layer of security in the form of a one-time code or password sent to your mobile device, email address or generated via an authenticator application. With 2FA, even if your email address and password have become compromised, it is unlikely that anyone could access your account as they would not have access to the secondary code.
Some organisations, such as banks, make Two Factor Authentication compulsory for their users, but whatever you are accessing, it makes sense to make it as secure as possible. That’s why we recommend you use 2FA for all of the services and systems your business needs to login to, such as emails and online services.
Sometimes, you will see 2FA described as Multi Factor Authentication, as the two terms are used interchangeably.
Why does your business need Two Factor Authentication?
If someone gained access to your login credentials for an important service or email account used as part of your business operations, they could potentially gain access to your personal data, customer/order information or company website. We don’t need to tell you how disastrous this could be in terms of fraud, damage and identity theft. With Two Factor Authentication, the likelihood of breach is considerably lower, as the one time passcode or security token will need to come to the mobile device you own, which is probably in your hand at the time of logging in, thus making it virtually impossible that anyone else could gain access.
With many businesses currently operating with the majority of their workforce at home, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an increased risk of unwanted access to systems. As people are logging into work emails and online services via their own devices, it is even more important than ever to ensure they can do this securely, or your entire business could be compromised. Limiting access to organisation-owned devices and setting up Multi Factor Authentication for every service is key to protecting your business and data.
Multifactor Authentication Services For Hampshire Businesses
If you are using cloud services such as Microsoft 365 to manage your organisation’s emails, files and data, then 2FA is vital to protect your business. At Matrix IT, our cloud computing and security experts can help your business to put the systems and processes in place to safeguard your data.
If your business is based in Hampshire and you’re looking for an IT support company to help you to operate securely, then call on Matrix IT for multifactor authentication services and much more.
