The top 5 benefits of multi factor authentication for small businesses include:
- Enhanced Security
- Reduced Risk of Data Breaches
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
- Cost-Effective Security Solution
- Improved Customer Trust
What Is Social Engineering Training?
Multi factor authentication is an authentication method used to enhance the security of user logins for online platforms, networks, and systems by requiring two or more verification factors. These factors must be verified before access is granted, significantly reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
This layer of security provided by multi-factor authentication (MFA) helps to prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to systems, data, and online platforms in several key ways:
Complicating Unauthorized Access: MFA requires multiple forms of verification, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access unless they have obtained all necessary credentials. This complexity is a substantial deterrent as the effort and resources required to breach multiple security layers are considerably greater than for single-factor authentication.
Mitigating the Impact of Compromised Passwords: Passwords can be stolen, guessed, or phished, but MFA decreases the risk associated with compromised passwords by requiring additional verification that attackers are less likely to obtain. For example, even if a password is exposed, the attacker would still need a second factor, such as a physical token or a biometric identifier, to access the account.
Reducing the Risks of Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: While attackers might trick users into revealing their passwords through phishing, obtaining the second factor through such means is much more challenging. MFA can include elements that are not easily shared or communicated, such as biometric data or tokens that generate codes visible only to the user.
Protecting Against Automated Attacks: Automated bots and scripts are commonly used to attempt large-scale password attacks. MFA provides a significant barrier against these types of attacks because they typically cannot replicate the additional authentication factors required, such as entering a code sent to a user’s mobile device.
Securing Remote Access: As remote work increases, securing access to organizational networks from various locations and devices is crucial. MFA ensures that even if login credentials are compromised, the additional authentication factors provide a strong line of defense against unauthorized remote access.
Incorporating MFA is a crucial strategy for enhancing the security of digital environments, providing robust protection against a wide range of cyber threats. This layered approach is essential for businesses seeking to protect their critical systems and sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.
MFA Vs. 2FA
For the longest time 2 factor authentication (2FA) has been used…
However, 2FA alone is extremely vulnerable to social engineering and password compromise.
Use a statistic to reinforce the point
The advantage of using MFA is that it….
How Effective Is MFA?
Multi factor authentication is extremely effective at preventing account take overs.
However, this method of authentication does have its disadvantages.
Link to a resource that shows how easy MFA is to bypass if the appropriate authentication methods are not implemented.
What Are The Risks Of Not Having MFA?
Benefits Of Multi Factor Authentication
Benefit #1
Enhanced Security: MFA adds additional layers of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system or account. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorized parties to breach accounts, even if they have compromised one of the authentication factors, such as a password.
Benefit #2
Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: By making it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access, MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of data breaches. This is particularly crucial for small businesses, where a single breach can have devastating financial and reputational consequences.
Benefit #3
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Many industries have regulations that require the implementation of security measures, including MFA, to protect sensitive data. Using MFA can help small businesses comply with these regulations, avoiding penalties and enhancing customer trust.
Benefit #4
Cost-Effective Security Solution: MFA is a cost-effective way to enhance security because it typically does not require expensive hardware. Many MFA solutions use smartphones or other devices that employees already have, minimizing the need for additional investments
Benefit #5
Improved Customer Trust: By implementing robust security measures like MFA, small businesses can enhance their credibility and build trust with their customers. This trust is crucial for customer retention and attracting new business, as customers are more likely to engage with companies that take the protection of their data seriously.
3 Factor Authentication Is The New Gold Standard
To prevent 99.9% of password compromises it’s recommended that you implement 3 factor authentication.
3 factors of authentication include:
- Something you know (username/password)
- Something you have (hardware token)
- Something you are (biometric such as a fingerprint)
Google’s implementation of 3 factor authentication, involving a hardware token, has been a game-changer, as reported by Krebs on Security.
This method adds an extra layer of security, making it nearly impossible for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
In 2023, Google took this one step further by implementing passkeys in an effort to move away from passwords as an authentication method.
SecureTrust's MFA Solution
SecureTrust addresses ransomware protection and prevention for small businesses through an affordable subscription-based model.
Implementation is easy with a 10 minute setup designed to get you back to work while seamlessly protecting your organization 24/7.
These services are fully managed by DoD trained experts who work with your business to monitor, detect, respond, and proactively hunt for threats on your network.
Extended Threat
Protection (XTP)
Monthly subscription
(per device)
*All prices listed are in US Dollars. Subscription will automatically renew for 1 month from the date of purchase unless you cancel.
Helios Cloud™
Enterprise Security
Monthly subscription
(per device)
*All prices listed are in US Dollars. Subscription will automatically renew for 1 month from the date of purchase unless you cancel.
Our Extended Threat Protection (XTP) services provide 3 factor authentication proven to reduce credential threat risk by 99.9% while reducing IT support tickets by 75% by simplifying password policies.
Our microsegementation solution leverages Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technologies delivered through Helios Cloud™ to provide comprehensive network security.
Finally, SecureTrust takes a continuous approach to vulnerability management ensuring all network connected devices, whether onsite or remote, are up to date with the latest security patches.
With SecureTrust, small businesses can confidently navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity, ensuring your data and operations are safeguarded against the growing threat of ransomware.
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