What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Many organizations are asking what is two-factor authentication and why should they have it? We’ve put this article together to help you and your organization better understand two-factor authentication.

Firstly, what is two-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that is known multi factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is nothing new, many believe this to be a new concept, but actually two-factor authentication has been around since 2010. Cyber-crime is increasing at an alarming rate. Users these days are well educated at internet fraud and the importance of online security including logins, usernames, and passwords. Unfortunately, many users or organizations are not aware of what is two-factor authentication.

Many standard IT security policies and procedures only require a simple username and password. This has become increasingly easy for cybercriminals to gain access to a user’s private data including personal data and financial details. This then allows the breach data to be used to commit fraud or hold ransom for a financial reward. Proactive IT departments and managed IT services providers have been actively implanting such IT security solutions to stay ahead of the cyberthreat curve.

How does two-factor authentication work? Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your technology and requires not only a password and username but also a code to access systems. Using a username and password together with a unique code makes it harder for potential cyber criminals to gain access and steal data or identity. All you have to do is enter your username and password like normal, use your phone to verify your identity, and finally securely log into your account.

Why is two-factor authentication important? Ask any managed IT providers, IT departments, or IT consultants and they will all tell you that two-factor authentication is one of the best security practices to protect your business and data.

Many IT security experts will agree that by using two-factor authentication, it will help to lower the number of cases of identity theft on the Internet. This includes phishing cyber-attacks via email because the cyber criminals would need more than just the users name and password to gain access.

Furthermore, two-factor authentication should be an essential component of your cybersecurity plan for an organization. As cybercriminals continue to raise their stakes and increase cyber-attacks, many organizations are recognizing the threat of data breaches to their networks. To address this security concern, most companies are implementing a tested two-factor authentication. This is considered one of the best security measures you can implement to protect your company, users, and sensitive data.

If you need help setting up your two-factor authentication for your organization then contact BrickHost today, we’re happy to help.