In today's threat landscape, passwords alone are no longer enough to protect your business. Cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated, using techniques like phishing, credential stuffing, and brute force attacks to compromise accounts. That's where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) comes in.
What Is MFA?
Multi-Factor Authentication requires users to verify their identity using two or more independent factors before gaining access to an account or system. These factors typically fall into three categories:
- Something you know — a password or PIN
- Something you have — a smartphone, hardware token, or security key
- Something you are — biometrics like a fingerprint or facial recognition
Why It Matters
According to Microsoft, MFA can block over 99.9% of account compromise attacks. That's a staggering number, and it highlights just how effective this simple security measure can be.
Real-World Impact
We've seen firsthand how businesses without MFA become easy targets. A single compromised email account can lead to:
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) — attackers impersonate executives to authorize fraudulent wire transfers
- Data exfiltration — sensitive client or patient data stolen from cloud storage
- Ransomware deployment — attackers use compromised credentials to move laterally through your network
Getting Started with MFA
Implementing MFA doesn't have to be complicated. Here's our recommended approach:
- Start with email and cloud apps — Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other cloud platforms should be your first priority
- Use authenticator apps over SMS — Apps like Microsoft Authenticator provide stronger security than text-based codes
- Enable MFA for VPN and remote access — Any remote entry point to your network needs this protection
- Train your team — Help employees understand why MFA matters and how to use it
The Bottom Line
MFA is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost security measures available. If your business isn't using it yet, you're leaving the door wide open for attackers. At Collett Systems, we help businesses implement MFA as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Ready to strengthen your security posture? Contact us to get started.