Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Microsoft 365

Why your business should use Multi-Factor Authentication

Many businesses are moving to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for more security and compliance.

Use MFA to strengthen security

Your password – it is the most common security measure available and it is also the most vulnerable. MFA the best alternative to using only unsafe passwords.  Passwords and pin numbers are susceptible to hackers forcing logins, social engineering attacks or elaborate phishing techniques. You can mitigate the risk somewhat by adding authentication factors which cannot be guessed, such as your mobile device or using your own biometric elements such as voice or fingerprints. MFA strengthens overall security as passwords are one of the most common ways hackers wanting to steal your data can gain access to your systems.

Use MFA to achieve compliance

Apart from data encryption and compliance standards, organizations are implementing Multi-Factor Authentication for various situations. By using MFA you are taking a step towards compliance that will support the protection of sensitive data like your financial, personal or business information.

What is MFA?

The idea behind Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is to have multiple layers of protection in a way that so that it is more difficult for hackers to gain access to your account.  MFA is a method which requires that the end user use an additional method for the verification of identity in two or more ways.

The verifications are usually a combination of two of the below:

• Validation of your password
• Using your mobile phone via text or Authenticator App
• Biometrics or other forms of authentication

As a bare minimum for conventional Multi-Factor Authentication you can get sent an access code to your mobile phone that you enter, along with your usual password.  We however recommend small businesses use the Microsoft Authenticator App as we have found that this is the best most secure long-term solution.  It also cuts down on end user support costs in our experience.