Multi-factor authentication (aka MFA, 2-factor authentication, 2fa and so on) is a highly recommended, additional layer of security for your email, accounting system or corporate remote access. Adding just one simple step to your login can massively increase the level of security protecting your sensitive data.
Most people will already be familiar with MFA through their internet banking, and the requirement to enter a special code from a third-party device to authorise payments. MFA on your user accounts is no different, and in most cases can be even easier.
So why should I set up MFA?
MFA is free.
In most cases MFA needs to be enabled separately for each system, and each user account, but as long as the system in question already supports MFA then it’s actually a very straight-forward process to enable it, and best of all it won’t cost you anything to have in place. In some case there may be a small setup charge for the time involved but that will be it.
For systems that do not natively support MFA, a third-party MFA solution may be required, and this can be costly, but more and more systems are natively supporting MFA, especially newer cloud-based platforms.
MFA is super easy to use.
If you can cope with entering a username and password, then you are perfectly well equipped to handle MFA as well. Most common platforms such as Xero and Microsoft 365 (previously known as Office 365) use clever apps on your phone such as Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator to help with MFA access. Some systems simply text a passcode to your mobile phone or send you an email.
For example, with MFA enabled on your Xero account. you login as usual with your username and password followed by entering a randomly generated code displayed by the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
Using the Microsoft Authenticator app to access your Microsoft 365 services (eg: email) can be even easier. Simply logon with your usual username and password, at which point the app on your phone will pop up with a request to confirm access. Simply tap on the app to allow, and your computer will then successfully complete the logon process.
MFA is incredibly effective at increasing your security.
You may have heard it said before, but digital security is like an onion – it must have many layers. You can have all the protection money can buy in place on your devices and servers and although Firewalls and antivirus/endpoint protection are as critical as ever, if your data is on the cloud these systems cannot stop people trying to access your sensitive data and simply will not offer the type of protection that you need to keep your information secure.
Multi-factor Authentication is an extremely effective method of protecting access to your systems. Your computers may not be infected with a virus, but if a hacker were to gain access to your business email account (for example), can you imagine the amount of damage that could be done financially, as well as to your company’s reputation. This is where the simple step of adding MFA comes in to its own.
How do I enable MFA on my user accounts?
The easiest option is to get us to do it! We will send you a simple form to fill out. Once we have the completed form, we can advise you which systems have MFA and arrange a time to set it up with you. We can normally even do this remotely.
So why not give us a call today and get MFA setup to keep your data safe.