IT security is a key part of any organisation’s overall network. Having a great database of customer information is pointless if it is easily breached by malicious persons looking to steal information or cause your organisation harm. On this basis, looking at everything you can do to increase your network’s security is essential, which includes Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA. Let’s go through an overview of MFA now.
Definition
MFA is where at least two different ‘sources’ of authentication are used to log into something. The three sources (of which two or more are chosen from) are something that a person knows (e.g. a password), something that they have (e.g. a physical token or another device like a phone) and something that a person is (e.g. a fingerprint). This means that if, for example, a password is stolen by a malicious actor, they couldn’t get in because they don’t have the other piece of authentication, such as a fingerprint.
Benefits
The security benefits gained through implementing MFA into your network are huge. Passwords are easily stolen in these modern days when malicious actors have become extremely competent. But, stealing something like a physical token or fingerprint is much harder; in an MFA scenario, a password is totally worthless without that second piece of authentication. Costs can also be very low if a simple second piece of authentication is used, like a mobile app or SMS “one-time pin”.
Reasons to not use MFA
There are very few reasons in the modern era to not use this method of security. However, with there being costs associated, some may choose to forego the system in some circumstances. An example of this would be if the login being secured doesn’t have any personal information or sensitive access, and hence even if a malicious actor were to gain access, they would gain nothing and you would lose nothing. Another could be costs associated with setup (especially if done through a managed service provider), however, we would suggest that this should not dissuade people. Security of personal information such as customer lists or anything like that is of absolutely critical importance to stay secure. So, security should be something that finance is spent on.
Summary
MFA has significant advantages for IT security and IT services in general. Avoiding a situation where you need virus removal services is going to save money in the long run, and avoid the embarrassment of needing to report a breach! MFA is even recommended by the government, see [INSERT LINK https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/publications/implementing-multi-factor-authentication] for example. On this basis, if you don’t already have MFA set up, then you should contact Rapid IT today to get it sorted on 1300 727 430.
