MFA (Multifactor Authentication) or TFA (Two-Factor Authentication) is a security feature included on many websites and apps that you should be using. It protects the most important asset that you have: your information.

Why you need to use it

You may be hesitant to add this additional layer of protection to your login process for time's sake, but it is worth it to take the extra step. Doing so will make the difference between you having to worry about recovering account data or having the wrong eyes view confidential information.

For businesses that are highly regulated such as legal, finance and healthcare which must adhere to HIPAA compliance taking this step is essential. MFA needs to be used to ensure that you remain compliant and all of your critical data remains protected.

How to use Multifactor Authentication

Step #1 – Use a strong password. Strong passwords typically are a long length, have a mix of upper and lower case letters and include characters.

Step #2 – Most apps and websites give you the option to confirm your login via text message or a mobile authentication app. You can choose to use one or both methods for confirmation.

Authentication apps you can download

Google Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator

LastPass Authenticator

How it works

When you login you will be asked to enter in your account's password and a time sensitive code. The code will be sent to you via text message or an authentication app.

This gives you an additional layer of protection and is useful if your password is hacked. For cyber criminals hacking passwords may be easy, but providing time sensitive verification that only you, the real user would have access to would be more of a challenging feat.

In many cases you can opt to have the multifactor login option dismissed for up to two weeks more or you can choose to always require it when you login.

How businesses can use MFA

Require that your employees use multifactor authentication for all of your company software and apps. Depending on the platform you use, you can adjust this to be the default login setup, this way your process remains in tact even when you add new accounts.

Hackers and cybercriminals use accounts as gateways to accessing the information that you want to protect. By using MFA you are making sure you are keeping up to date with the latest in cybersecurity and keeping your business safe.

The cost of a data breach can be overwhelming, using one simple security measure can make the difference in preventing the strain a compromise can have on a business and its customers.