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[Security Tip!] What's MFA and Why's It Important?

By Prime Care Tech Security Team on Thu, Oct 21, 2021 @ 08:45 AM

Maintaining a strong security posture means being vigilant and aware of threats and vulnerabilities across the vast IT spectrum. An additional security layer to consider is multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is also known as two-factor authentication (2FA).

If cyber insurance is in your plans, you should know more and more insurance carriers require organizations to implement MFA before issuing a policy. Depending on the carrier, MFA may be required for web-based mail, system login, or even devices.

What exactly is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication protects against hackers by ensuring digital users are who they say they are. Users must provide two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to verify their identity to access an app or digital resource. There are three main types of MFA:

  1. Things only you know (knowledge), such as a password or PIN
  2. Things only you have (possession), such as a badge, fob, or smartphone
  3. Things only you are (inherence), or biometric details such as fingerprints, retina, or voice

MFA blends at least two separate factors to verify it's actually you requesting access to your data.

Why is MFA important?

It makes stealing information much harder for the average criminal. Because MFA requires one more piece of information, in addition to user ID and password, it's likely hackers will choose someone else to target. It is a simple but powerful way to add an extra protection layer so only authorized users can access your data.

How do I obtain MFA?

Two common and effective MFA options are to install/use a client app on mobile phones or a key fob. Both receive a random number generated at regular intervals, usually 60 seconds, for users to enter along with a user ID and password. Prime Care Tech partners with MFA vendors and would be happy to help you connect.

Conclusion

MFA strengthens your security posture, making hacking into user accounts much more arduous. Even with MFA installed, you should not let your guard down! It takes effort and vigilance on the part of all staff members, particularly when it comes to email phishing attempts. Every organization must build a human firewall to prevent compromises to your data and systems.

Topics: primeCLOUD cyber security cyber insurance MFA multi-factor authentication user identification password

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