Also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important tool in your arsenal against cyber-attack. With a simple two-punch logic, it can massively increase the level of security protecting your sensitive business data.
Why should I use multi-factor authentication?
Passwords remain the single weakest security link in any business environment. Hackers are using ever-more sophisticated means – including keylogging, pharming and phishing – to obtain our sensitive personal information (particularly passwords), and MFA provides an additional layer of protection against this security threat.
In a business environment, MFA can be used for remote-access solutions, for individuals performing special or confidential functions, or for users accessing sensitive data or information.
How does it work?
Instead of the old ‘username and password’ approach, MFA is a security enhancement that requires you to present two (or more) pieces of evidence when logging into an account. The evidence (or ‘factors’) include a combination of three elements:
What you know This can include PINs, passwords, secret questions, dates of birth etc
What you have An access card or key fob, for instance, or a one-time password (OTP) sent to a mobile device
Who you are This (particularly strong) factor includes biometric authentication such as a fingerprint, retina scan or voice recognition.
To be considered ‘multi-factor’, your credentials must come from at least two different categories (so entering two separate passwords would not be considered MFA).
Want to take it a step further?
Fourth and fifth authentication factors can also be introduced to further strengthen your security through multi-factor authentication. User location (identified by a user’s GPS pinpoint via their mobile phone) ensures that you are logging in from where you’re expected to be, not from halfway around the world, while time-based authentication can be used to assess the likelihood that your access attempt at this particular time is legitimate.
Need more information?
Multi-factor authentication solutions are relatively inexpensive and are often easy to deploy. Speak to Geelong’s IT experts – Geelong Technology Group – if your business needs to step up its authentication game.
And don’t forget – digital security must have many layers – firewalls and anti-virus protections are as critical as ever. To discuss your IT security requirements and to ensure you have a comprehensive protection plan, do your business a favour and give our experienced technicians a call – we service businesses in Geelong, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac and Warrnambool.