Explore the benefits of adding an extra layer of protection with multi-factor authentication
Cybercrime is a growing area of concern and organizations must be prepared for more frequent attacks on their employees. According to the Digital Defense report from Microsoft password attacks have increased by 74% between 2021 and 2022. Attacks on individuals using weak passwords, reusing passwords or incorrectly storing passwords are prime targets for this type of attack.
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) helps to mitigate these risks by adding an extra layer of protection that cannot be easily bypassed and offers an additional level of security compared to traditional sign-in methods. Here are some benefits of multi-factor authentication:
- Increased Security: Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to verify their identity. This typically includes something they know (e.g., a password), something they have (e.g., a mobile device or security token), or something they are (e.g., biometric data like fingerprint or facial recognition). This combination of factors makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access, as they would need to compromise multiple authentication factors.
- Protection against Stolen or Lost Credentials: MFA provides protection when passwords or credentials are compromised. Even if an attacker gains access to a user's password, they would still need the additional factor (e.g., a mobile device or biometric data) to complete the authentication process.
- Compliance Requirements: Many industries and regulatory frameworks require multi-factor authentication as part of their security standards. Implementing MFA can help organizations meet compliance requirements and avoid potential penalties or legal issues.
- User Awareness and Accountability: Multi-factor authentication makes users more aware of security practices and the importance of protecting their accounts. It encourages users to take responsibility for their own security and helps prevent unauthorized access, even in scenarios where user credentials are compromised.
While multi-factor authentication can improve account security, it's important to note that it's not enough on its own. Therefore, organizations should consider implementing other security measures together with MFA as part of a holistic security program.
Synergi Life can be easily integrated with your organizations Azure Active Directory (AD) or Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS). If you’d like to learn more about how to get started, please contact your account manager or reach out here.
Author: Kurt Swakhoven