Adopting a multi-factor authentication (MFA) strategy
With technology advancing, it has become easier for hackers to gain access to our personal data.
In the past, passwords were considered the best line of defence against cybercriminals, but times have changed.
That’s why adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts is essential, not just for your information, but for your customer information too.
That’s where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in.
MFA is a security measure that combines two or more ways to prove your identity to allow access to an account. By doing this, it makes it much harder for cybercriminals to steal or compromise your credentials. MFA types include:
- something you know such as a password, PIN or response to a challenge like naming the first street you lived in
- something you have such as a physical token, smart card or an SMS sent to your phone containing a code
- Something you are for example a fingerprint, facial recognition or iris scan.
Cybercriminals may still get their hands on your password, but they will need your biometrics or a code to fully unlock your account. While MFA is not available for every online account, it’s becoming a more widely-applied way to verify your identity. Banks, social media platforms and software providers are adopting this measure to protect their users’ information.
Enabling MFA on your email accounts and computer software, especially if working remotely, is crucial. Adopting this practice in a work capacity strengthens the protection of your systems and sensitive information.
Implementing this strategy, alongside the other cybersecurity best practices, gives your systems a greater line of defence in the event of a cyber incident. By taking proactive steps to secure your online accounts, you can help safeguard your personal information and that of your customers. So, take the time to set up MFA on your accounts and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your information is secure or visit the ACSC website to find out more about implementing your MFA strategy.