Stressing Cybersecurity Series: Enhance the Power of Your Passwords with MFA

Steps toward increased Cybersecurity 

When you are working to improve data security, it is important to identify and fix every potential weakness or risk area. Using strong and unique passwords, bolstered by a password management system, are basic steps. However, even the strongest password is useless if someone is able to steal it. There is another tool you can use that adds to the power of every password. 

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) utilizes an additional layer of security to protect your data when you access websites or online systems. MFA requires users to go beyond their password and provide another form of identity verification.  

In most cases, an MFA system will require at least one of three primary authentication factors: 

Something You Know: Usually a code or PIN 

Something You Have: A device – in most cases your smartphone 

Something You Are: Biometric traits like fingerprints, or facial recognition 

While some login systems require the use of MFA, you may have to enable it on the login page. Once enabled, however, MFA is easy to use.  

Typically, you enter a password, and a code is sent to your smartphone or email. To confirm your identity, you must enter the code in the login area. More advanced systems may require you to approve an attempted login using the biometric capabilities on your smartphone. 

In addition to offering enhanced login security, using an available MFA system can protect against phishing - fake emails or other messages designed to procure personal information such as passwords. An attacker who manages to steal your password will find it difficult, if not impossible, to access an account that uses MFA.  

MFA has a few relatively minor drawbacks. Some users in your organization may feel that MFA is inconvenient or dislike the fact that a smartphone is required. In addition, if their smartphone is lost or damaged, the user may not be able to access their account. 

Despite these relatively minor challenges, MFA is an effective way to enhance the power of your password to provide an additional level of cybersecurity. That’s why it’s important to enable MFA whenever it is offered.