Multifactor authentication (MFA), also known as two-factor authentication, is a deep security measure that has become a common practice among businesses. When utilized, MFA will prompt a user to initiate two or more security measures that can prove an individual’s identity. This action can make it twice as hard for cybercriminals to access sensitive data.
With multifactor authentication, you’ll rely on certain credentials that will give you access to important information. These credentials, or factors, can include:
- A biometric identifier like a fingerprint or facial recognition.
- An extra pin number that is prompted for entry after a password.
- A security question set up by the user.
- A code that is either texted or emailed to the user.
As data breaches have escalated, the need for MFA security has become critical. Let’s discuss the benefits of utilizing MFA and why you need to protect your sensitive data with more than just a username and password.
It’s More Than Just a Username and Password
According to Gartner, it was estimated that a total of $172 billion have been spent on information security and risk management over the past year. Even with this amount of finances allocated, businesses are still seeing a high increase in data breaches. Sharing and reusing passwords creates an easy path for individuals to gain access to valuable data such as birthdates and even Social Security numbers.
This reality makes it apparent that an extra layer of protection, such as multifactor authentication, is needed to keep data secure. MFA can help prevent even the most common types of attacks from happening and can give your business peace of mind knowing that cybercriminals can’t access your sensitive data.
The Benefits of MFA
Multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication can provide protection for both your organization and employees that work for you. For organizations, you might expect to benefit from:
- Increased protection: MFA can help protect valuable assets that could be subject to security breaches.
- Safe remote work environment: Companies utilizing MFA can help keep remote work flexible and agile by giving employees access to systems and data they need to stay productive.
- Deep security solutions: Multiple layers of security are intact, so if one layer is compromised, your other layers can provide backup to ensure your data is secure.
For individual users, you will benefit from:
- Identity protection: A user’s personal information is protected from being compromised when MFA is in use. Users will have peace of mind knowing their personal data is secure and safe from cyberthreats.
- Remote work environment flexibility: Employees will benefit from the flexibility of accessing sensitive data and systems from wherever they are working.
How Universal Data Can Help You
Enhancing your network security with MFA can help to increase your chances of keeping your valuable data protected from cyberthreats. Luckily for you, Universal Data can help bolster your cybersecurity with an assessment tailored to figure out your shortcomings. Let us help you familiarize yourself with pertaining security features, like multifactor authentication, and how to gain peace of mind knowing your sensitive data is protected.
If you’re interested in learning more about MFA, get in touch with our security experts today.