MFA adds next-level security to your business

The need to secure your business-critical data and applications has never been more important with the ongoing rise in home and remote working coupled with the need to access data and systems from a wide range of devices, not to mention the fact that data breaches are continually on the increase.

In fact, according to The CyberEdge 2022 Cyberthreat Defence Report (CDR) which provides a breadth of insight into cyber security in countries all over the world, 81.4 percent of UK organisations had experienced at least one cyber-attack in the year prior to the study, compared to 71.1 percent in the previous year.

So, it’s more vital than ever for IT managers to keep security at the top of their company’s agenda whilst supporting business growth by keeping the network up and running 24/7.

These days many businesses think they are secure because they have installed resilient firewalls and antivirus software, as well as using encryption software, running vulnerability tests and training their staff but, without multi-factor authentication (MFA) in place, all these security measures can be side-stepped.

MFA further protects your sensitive data from cybercrime by providing an extra layer of security. And yet, it is not complex and is easy to add, meaning it can be rolled out quickly without blowing the budget.

Why is MFA important?

MFA’s multiple layers of security ensure that the users (employees, suppliers or consumers) looking for access are who they claim to be. Even if hackers steal one credential, they will be forced to verify identities in another manner, reducing fraud and identity theft.

MFA adds mindfulness and trust

Customers value and like to know their data is safe and secure and MFA is an important, and highly visible, tool for protecting their data from identity theft. By implementing this measure, the security of the traditional username and password login is supplemented by an additional layer of protection. Cybercriminals will find it very difficult to crack a Time-Based One Time Password (TOTP) as it’s either sent via SMS, email or through an automated phone call. A customer needs two pieces of information to access their resource which adds a sense of mindfulness to authentication. And, customers trust businesses who take all the necessary precautions to protect them.

MFA meets regulatory compliances

Implementing multi-factor authentication can be a key requirement when it comes to complying with certain industry regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. Finance, government and health bodies mandate that businesses adhere to strict rules, mitigating risk and protecting customers’ data. MFA adds another layer of security to protect your customers’ sensitive data.

MFA saves money

Monitoring, identifying and notifying customers about suspicious activity on their accounts costs businesses time and money. MFA reduces the occurrence of fraud, freeing up the IT help desk and enabling support staff to focus on other customer service issues.

Plus, MFA saves businesses from the cost of cyber fraud which can run into thousands of pounds.

MFA adds next-level security, even remotely

It’s not uncommon for cybercriminals to try to gain access to a system when the user is working remotely which is why multi-factor authentication is so important for remote employees. It adds an extra layer of security to the login process by requiring the user to validate that they are, in fact, who they say they are. It’s also become a familiar security technology in everyone’s personal lives as well, helping to promote adoption and continued use across the board.

MFA is easy to implement and use

Multi-factor authentication, by its very nature, is non-invasive. It does not affect the rest of the virtual space of an organisation or institution. Its intuitive user experience also allows it to be picked up by customers with almost little to no effort. The risk of fraud is reduced as OTPs send users time-sensitive, unique, and random codes and PINs to their mobile devices via SMS, voice, or push message. Combining the convenience of using an app with MFA security enables customers to maintain high security standards whilst using one login.

About XCOMM

Xcomm offers a broad range of secure remote access solutions, market-leading data protection products and related professional data security services – all designed to help you safeguard business processes and stay compliant with regulations and best practice.

From IPSec VPNs, firewalling and data encryption to multi-factor authentication, email security and protection from spam, spyware, trojans and viruses, Xcomm has the solution.

Optimise your business communications security by contacting the Xcomm sales team.

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