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While complex passwords may help deter cybercriminals, they can still be cracked. According to telecommunications company Verizon, an estimated 80% of hacking-related data breaches involve stolen credentials. With these findings in mind, it\u2019s clear that passwords alone aren\u2019t enough to protect your workplace accounts.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, that\u2019s where multifactor authentication (MFA) can help. MFA is a layered approach to securing data and applications, in which a system requires a user to present a combination of two or more credentials to verify their identity during login. This article provides more information on MFA, explains how it protects you and your employer, and offers related best practices.<\/p>\n
Through MFA, employees must confirm their identities by providing extra information, such as a phone number, biometric data, or a one-time security code, in addition to their passwords when attempting to access sensitive corporate information and infrastructure. Companies generally require MFA for remote access to their networks, for the administrative functions within their networks, and for any enterprise-level cloud applications.<\/p>\n
With this method, it\u2019s not enough to just have your username and password. In order to log in to a workplace account, you\u2019ll need another \u201cfactor\u201d to verify your identity, similar to needing both a key and an identification badge to gain physical access to a corporate building. This additional login hurdle means that cybercriminals won\u2019t be able to easily unlock your account, even if they have your compromised credentials.<\/p>\n
Although proper password management can prove beneficial, stolen credentials remain a common and pervasive cybersecurity threat. Even the most sophisticated passwords can be stolen, whether via brute-force techniques or advanced phishing scams. In these instances, a single compromised account can expose the entire company, potentially resulting in devastating and disruptive cyberattacks (e.g., account takeovers, data breaches, or ransomware incidents).<\/p>\n
Without MFA in place, you could be leaving personal information and sensitive projects stored on your workplace accounts, as well as your employer\u2019s larger corporate systems, vulnerable to cybercriminals. Using this method can help halt these hackers in their tracks, safeguarding both you and the company.<\/p>\n
While MFA may seem like a tedious or unnecessary step in the login process, it\u2019s well worth it to avoid potential cybersecurity incidents. Microsoft confirmed that MFA can block over 99% of automated and bulk account compromise attacks, demonstrating its effectiveness.<\/p>\n
When leveraging MFA at work, remember the following guidelines:<\/p>\n
Adhere to company policies and any related documentation on how to set up MFA services across your workplace accounts. Use only approved methods, whether it\u2019s a mobile authenticator application, biometric scanner, text messaging system, or hardware key.<\/p>\n
Be prepared to comply with MFA prompts when logging in to your workplace accounts (e.g., \u201center the unique code sent to your device\u201d or \u201cuse facial recognition to approve login attempt\u201d), as these prompts must usually be completed within a brief time frame. However, never follow or approve prompts you didn\u2019t initiate.<\/p>\n
If you receive unexpected MFA requests, unusual prompts, or other login problems, report them immediately.<\/p>\n
Cybersecurity can be challenging, but you don\u2019t have to navigate it alone.<\/p>\n