In today’s digital landscape, businesses without a layered defense strategy that includes multi-factor authentication, and mobile device management are more susceptible than ever to complex security breaches.
From malware infections to social engineering to hacking, cybercrime is growing at an alarming rate.
However, many organizations are unknowingly putting themselves at significant risk by having an outdated and fragile authentication strategy.
For instance, simply having a weak password, or using the traditional, single username/password combination, decreases the probability that your system will effectively flag and block unauthorized users.
The reality is weak passwords have caused 81% of data breaches in the past several years.
According to Dr. Kevin Streff, the director of Dakota State University’s Fintech security lab, depending heavily on single-factor authentication is “insufficient in this day of cyberwarfare.”
Consequently, businesses are recognizing the need to implement more adaptive technology when it comes to authentication procedures.
In fact, platforms such as social media, email, and banking have readily embraced multi-factor authentication (MFA) to modernize and sophisticate protective measures for their digital assets and resources.
But how exactly does authentication technology work to insulate your organization’s IT architecture and ensure maximum security?
Breaking Down Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA enhances the security of your devices and infrastructure by using more than two credentials to strengthen your company’s authentication requirements.
Similarly, a two-factor authentication (2FA) combines two independent credentials to thwart any suspicious logins or hacking attempts.
Each additional factor makes it increasingly difficult for an unauthorized entity to access a particular target, such as a network, database, physical location, or device.
These methodologies are typically comprised of the following secure credentials:
1. Knowledge Layer – A factor that the user knows and is aware of (e.g., password, pin, code)
2. Possession Layer – A factor that the user tangibly has (e.g., smartphone, security token, smart card)
3. Inherence Layer – A factor that the user physically embodies (e.g., fingerprint scan, voice recognition, retina scan)
4. Location Layer – A factor that identifies the user’s current location (e.g., GPS signal, specific computing network location)
This cybersecurity system boasts a range of benefits, primarily being an extremely secure and foolproof way to protect your data.
Not only does MFA halt brute-force cyberattacks, but it also keeps a company’s entire IT ecosystem functioning.
It achieves this by ensuring that other critical security tools (e.g., firewalls, encryptions, anti-virus solutions) are not bypassed by hackers, making these cybersafe measures only as strong as their corresponding authentication systems.
Moreover, MFA will improve the trust of your company’s privileged employees and high-ranking users, as well as clients.
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The Rise Of Modern Authentication
While MFA and 2FA are now ubiquitous in the digital era, the birth of Modern Authentication has enhanced security for Microsoft Office 365 users.
This means that now, MFA, as well as smart card and certificate-based authentication are available.
Since Microsoft enables the configuration of extra security layers for the user sign-in process, your organization can now take a step in the right direction to mitigate this type of technological risk.
Embracing Authentication In Your Organization With Wingman Solutions
Implementing a suitable MFA system can be accomplished with the assistance of Mississauga Microsoft 365 support consulting by Wingman Solutions.
By conducting a thorough IT risk assessment, our team of experts can guide you in developing and maintaining a robust authentication process tailored to your organization’s unique needs and resources.
While a top-notch authentication system is just one part of an extensive IT security strategy, it remains a critical component.
MFA is increasingly prevalent and has become one of the strongest controls to prevent compromised credentials and remote cyberattacks.
Take action today to ensure your company stays at the forefront of authentication and security.
