Don’t be intimidated by tech jargon such as ‘multi-factor authentication’ (MFA) or ‘two-step verification’, because it is likely that you use an MFA system every day. Simply, MFA is a way of enhancing the security of your accounts and data, by the user providing two or more levels of evidence when logging into a device or account.
According to the 2017 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, data breaches as a result of stolen or inadequate passwords has risen to 81 per cent. This is a concerning and increasing trend in data breach. Inadequate passwords include using simplistic, short and predictable passwords, or using the same or similar versions of a password for multiple accounts and programs.The term ‘multi-factor’ indicates that the user provides qualifying evidence in two or more categories. For example, one category may be a password, and another category may be providing a finger print or answering a security question, such as “what were the last four digits of your childhood telephone number?” The nature of the MFA method is often contextual and risk-based, depending on the types of actions that the user is equipped with in that application. For example, logging into an account may require only one level of authentication, such as a password. However, in order to make a transaction through that account another layer of authentication may be required.
Now more than ever, MFA solutions are necessary to protect personal details and private company information from criminal activity and hackers.
Get in touch with Systemnet today to find out about how you can more effectively secure your data through multi-factor authentication.