Adopting Multi Factor Authentication
Rapid changes in technology and equally rapid adaptation by hackers requires adopting multi factor authentication as a top security priority for businesses. Big data keeps getting bigger, and protocols used in the past to protect data handled by your company are no longer sufficient. One compromised login can lead to a devastating breach, and the signs of malicious activity may not be evident until it’s too late.
Better authentication practices can reduce the risk of credentials being stolen and accounts being hacked. If you’re currently using passwords or any other single-factor authentication method, switching to multi-factor authentication (MFA) may be the logical next step to boost data security.
Is Adopting Multi Factor Authentication the Best Choice for Your Company?
Your company should implement MFA if:
- You handle, store or transmit health records, financial data or other personal information
- Your customers interact with sensitive data in your system
- You’re required to meet a variety of compliance standards
- It’s been a long time since your last security upgrade
Upgrading Your Security Protocols
- Something a user knows, such as a PIN
- Something a user has, such as a mobile device
- Something a user is, such as a biometric marker
Best Practices for Implementing MFA
Once you’ve chosen a vendor, focus on best practices for smooth MFA implementation:
- Conduct a risk analysis to determine the areas with the greatest need
- Start by using MFA for the highest-risk actions and applications
- Ensure all potential access points are covered
- Use a dynamic authentication system able to adapt and accept a variety of credentials
- Keep the user experience in mind to ensure smooth workflows
- Notify employees of the change, and conduct training if necessary
Conduct periodic reviews of your MFA protocol as you continue to roll it out across all areas of your business. Tweaks will be necessary to improve usability, correct problems with workflow and maintain compliance.
If you determine it’s time to upgrade your authentication procedure to MFA, don’t wait to get the ball rolling. The longer your old security measures stay in place, the more time hackers have to infiltrate your system. Determine your needs, consider the necessary investment of time and money for adopting multi factor authentication and create a dynamic system for better protection of all the data your company handles.