What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

We understand keeping up with passwords can be painful and can be why bad password habits are formed. In the U.S., the average email address is associated with 130 accounts; that's a LOT of passwords to keep track. Just like maintaining a healthy diet, there are good habits to maintain secure accounts and they aren't always easy! We will be discussing the importance of multi-factor authentication, using different passwords, and stronger passwords, to stay more secure for your business online accounts.

In the more recent years, Cybercriminals have advanced their techniques. Account logins are one of the easiest ways for criminals to access your data, and previously breached accounts can become targets for another attack. 1 out of 5 American consumers have experienced an online account compromise.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as an uncrackable password anymore, it's just a matter of how long it takes to crack. Strong passwords using a combination of different letters, numbers, and special characters are always preferred, however it's not the safest option anymore. Multiple levels of security are needed for your online accounts, and we can expect this trend to continue in the future as cybercriminals continue to advance.

Incorporating another level of security is the only way we can truly secure our accounts nowadays. Multi-factor authentication is highly recommended from cybersecurity specialists everywhere.

What is MFA?

MFA is commonly referred to as an "extra layer of protection."

MFA stands for multi-factor authentication. Instead of just using a simple password and username combination, MFA incorporates another "lock" that only you have the key. MFA is added security and is based on using a combination of something you have, something you know, and something you are.

MFA is a combination of two or more methods. For example:

1. Something you know: like a password or pin number

2. Something you have: your phone or another device

3. Something you are: biometrics such as your finger print or facial recognition

Why is MFA Important?

Not using MFA is like keeping your door closed, but leaving it unlocked.

Now, let's say one of your online business account was involved in a data breach years ago, and you've since changed your password and then never thought about it again. That's a great first step, except you decided to keep using the same password involved in the breach for other business accounts of yours. It's as if you've locked one door, but handed out keys to all the other doors of your company.

Without the right protection, you're putting yourself and your company at risk. Studies have shown that almost 80% of data breaches could have been stopped if multi-factor authentication was enabled.