There are few things more effective at keeping your accounts secure than multi-factor authentication (MFA). The general concept is that when you enter your password correctly, there is an additional step to verify that the person logging into the account is actually the owner, or someone the owner is allowing to access.
This second step generally involves a 6 digit code that is sent to the owner of the account whenever anyone enters the correct password. This code is randomized every time authorization is required making it necessary to have access to how the code is being sent in order to login.
Where the code is sent is determined by the owner of the account. The typical options are: in a text message, in an email, and/or an app on a smartphone. Not all services you sign up for will offer the option to use an app on a smartphone, but the rest will offer the text message and email methods.
The main benefit of MFA is that all access to your account is under your control as long as you don’t lose your cell phone or access to your email. Because you will get a notification containing the code each time your password is entered correctly, you will be able to tell when someone has your password and is trying to log into your account. If someone needs access to your account and you want to let them, all you need to do is send them the code you receive when they login.
To be most secure the first thing to setup MFA on that will make the most amount of difference is your email account. If your email account is less secure than your accounts that use it for MFA, then whoever gains access to your email also has access to your codes sent to it through MFA. Email is one of the most impactful vulnerabilities in an office, so securing it should take priority.
Other services to consider for MFA might include things like Dropbox and OneDrive, online banking accounts, online shopping services such as Amazon, and anything else that might contain sensitive information. Not all services offer MFA but most services will, and MFA is becoming more and more prevalent. For those that do not offer MFA, a strong password is highly recommended.
The only drawback to MFA is that it takes a few more seconds to login to your accounts. The many benefits and how effective it is in securing your accounts much outweighs the minor inconvenience. Grundig IT strongly urges everyone, regardless of computer uses and habits, to enable and setup Multi-Factor Authentication for any and all accounts.
