What is Two- Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication is designed to offer an extra layer of security when you log into your essential accounts. A password alone can be guessed or a “brute-force” method can be used by a hacker. On the other hand, two-factor authentication relies on more than just a series of characters to help protect your account.
With two-factor authentication, when you log into an account, you must provide two pieces of information:
- You must provide a password, just like you would under other circumstances. and;
- You must prove that you have access to another device or account, usually a mobile device or email account.
When logging in with your password, it will send a code or permission request to that device or account, which you must then use to access the account. Without it, you will be prevented from accessing the account.
While some hackers can find their way around two-factor authentication requirements, it adds a level of complexity that makes it much more difficult to hack into an account, particularly in a hurry.
Do You Need Two-Factor Authentication?
As many as 80% of data breaches can be prevented by enabling two-factor or two-step authentication. While it cannot substitute for overall solid password security, it does offer an additional layer of protection that hackers will have to work their way through before they can access your data.
Here are some things to take into account:
1. Your Organization Deals With Secure Data
Secure data can mean various things, from corporate secrets that you do not necessarily want to risk sharing with the world to private customer data or financial information.
Suppose you deal with those confidential pieces of information. In that case, you may find that enabling two-factor authentication can provide an additional layer of security for both your clients and your organization as a whole.
2. Your Business Is At Risk
Once, only big businesses faced serious risks from hackers, who might have assumed that they should only go after large companies that were worth their time and effort. Today, however, around 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses.
Small and medium-sized businesses may also be more vulnerable in general than big businesses since they may not have the same highly protective cybersecurity measures that big companies can afford.
3. You Need To Institute An Extra Layer Of Protection
Increasing your cybersecurity protections is rarely a bad thing. In many cases, you may find that simply instituting two-factor authentication can reduce your business’s risk.
Conclusion: Two-Factor Authentication And Your Business
Two-Factor Authentication is just one of the strategies and solutions that can help protect your business against data theft and malware.
Have you installed 2FA on your vital systems? Do you know how to protect your business, especially when it comes to password security? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business and raise your overall security.
