What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, protects your applications by using a second source of validation before granting access to users. Common examples of multi-factor authentication include personal devices, such as a phone or token, or geographic or network locations. MFA enables users to verify the identities of users before they can gain entry to critical systems.

Why is multi-factor authentication necessary?

Digital security is critical in today’s world because both businesses and users store sensitive information online. Everyone interacts with applications, services, and data that are stored on the internet using online accounts. A breach, or misuse, of this online information could have serious real-world consequences, such as financial theft, business disruption, and loss of privacy.

While passwords protect accounts, they are simply not enough. Expert cybercriminals try to actively find passwords. By discovering one password, access can potentially be gained to multiple accounts for which you might have reused the password. Multi-factor authentication acts as an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized users from accessing these accounts, even when the password has been stolen. multi-factor authentication can be used to validate user identities and provide quick and convenient access to authorized users.

Even the most basic form of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can prevent 99% of the most common cyber-attacks. But still over 70% of Microsoft 365 end users Do NOT have MFA enabled.  

Why are so many people still not using Multi Factor Authentication?

The inconvenient truth for end users is that MFA will require additional steps. But there are several MFA options to choose from which can lessen this inconvenience.  

Which range from setting up an app on a mobile or setting accounts to email / text a code to gain login.