To use or not to use: two-factor authentication

An increasing number of websites and organizations are requiring two-factor authentication to log into their websites. Two-factor authentication is when you have to verify your identity twice using two unique data sets to gain access to what you’re trying to log into. So why is it being adopted, and why should you enable it?

Why use two-factor authentication?

Maybe you’ve noticed your email needing extra proof that you’re the person logging into your account. Maybe you had to download an app on your phone that sends you a notification when a login is attempted. Maybe you’ve had to type in a code that was sent to you by text or email when logging in somewhere. All of these are examples of two-factor authentication. 2FA helps prevent phishing attempts and hackers using stolen or weak login credentials from gaining access to accounts. Two-factor authentication is also great for using public WiFi. If a hacker is able to gain access to your computer and accounts through a public connection, having 2FA will prevent them from being able to successfully use that information.?

Should my business use two-factor authentication?

Yes – we recommend enabling 2FA to all of our clients. Hackers don’t care about the size of the business they’re attacking. They care about the value of your information. Simply put, two-factor authentication is a relatively simple way to prevent hackers from gaining access to your private information like emails, financial documents and banking information. We know that the majority of data breaches take place when employees loosely follow cyber rules. By requiring your employees to enable two-factor authentication, you are taking a level of human error out of the equation and further protecting your business.??

Why is two-factor authentication important for cybersecurity?

In 2021, victims of cybercrimes reported losses of just under $7 billion. Over the last five years, there were an average of over half a million cybercrime complaints filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Personal data breaches and phishing schemes are among the top five cybercrimes reported in the last five years. Having two-factor authentication can help prevent these attacks from happening in the first place, and an errant code sent to an employee’s phone or email address could tip them off that their accounts are compromised.?

If you have any questions about two-factor authentication and why it’s so important, ProTech is here to help. Whether you’re debating investing or needing an upgrade, we have the solution. Give us a call today!