Tag Archives: #Multi-FactorAuthentication

Multi-Factor Authentication: Why Duo MFA is the Perfect Match for Your Business

Security, , , , ,
Businessman using a laptop and mobile phone to enter multi-factor authentication codes to access important company data

Protecting company data with reliable business solutions such as multi-factor authentication.

Even before the pandemic, securing your business software and the network was important. However, the pandemic has made this even more critical due to the rise of remote and hybrid workplace models. This is because many businesses are scaling or migrating to the cloud to adopt these new workplace models. And it isn’t hard to find why the cloud is the ultimate solution for remote work. Typically, cloud-hosted systems mean that your employees can gain access from different networks and devices. In other words, it’s no longer possible to continue relying on users being on the same network as a security factor.

Furthermore, one-factor authentication, i.e., using username and password only to allow users to login into the system, has proved insufficient. For instance, stats reveal that about 80% of data breaches emanate from the use of poor passwords that are easily compromised by cybercriminals. At the same time, about 54% of users have less than 5 passwords for all their online accounts, making it possible for hackers to access several accounts if they’re able to compromise/steal a single password. This is where multi-factor authentication solutions like Duo come in.

What is MFA?

As the name suggests, multi-factor authentication requires a user to use more than one method (factor) to authenticate their identity before gaining access to a system or software. The most common type is 2-FA, where you receive an OTP (one-time-password) through your mail, SMS, or a mobile app after you input the correct password.

Why Should Businesses Implement MFA?

There’s no better way to protect your data and systems than to ensure that you proactively involve your workforce in the company’s cybersecurity measures. This creates an environment and a special bond between the security team and employees, making it possible to detect hacking or ransomware attempts early. For example, suppose one of your user’s passwords gets compromised. In that case, they will know since they’ll undoubtedly receive an unexpected 2-FA; hence, inform the system administrators early enough for timely security measures like locking that account until the issue is escalated.

Duo MFA is a Reliable Solution for Businesses

Duo is a multi-factor authentication platform from Cisco that has been designed for the modern workforce. Before granting access, Duo uses a second source of identity verification and validation, like phone or Duo push. Cisco knows better that MFA solutions should not make signing in a bothersome and time-consuming experience. Therefore, Duo is created on simplicity but with the reliability of military-grade security to streamline logins and make integration seamless. Some benefits of using Duo include:

  • User-friendly

Every one of your team members is different and has their own definition of what user-friendliness is. Duo takes account of all this to deliver a super-secure and user-friendly platform where users or teams have different types of authentication methods to choose from. These include Duo Push, biometrics, U2F, and tokens or passcodes.

  • Easy Integration

Integrating Duo with whatever system or software you’re using has never been this straightforward. Its modern workforce nature makes it easy to integrate with cloud solutions; Duo itself is built on the cloud. Besides, you can also incorporate Duo reliably with other security platforms for added security.

  • Seamless Scaling

As you grow, your company adds new users and tech solutions to meet the demand. With Duo, you don’t have to experience unnecessary downtime when adding an IT infrastructure or setting up a new user or device.

While it’s understandable that users can log in from anywhere using different devices, Duo doesn’t leave any stone unturned, provided it can be a gateway to your data or system. Therefore, it goes beyond authenticating users by monitoring every device, network, and application from which the access request is coming. This makes it possible for businesses to implement security policies, e.g., to determine when a company-owned device is required to access certain resources.

Bottom Line

Protecting your company data and systems against loss and malicious intrusion is key to compliance while preventing financial losses associated with downtime, data loss, and ransomware attacks. Therefore, it’s crucial to look for an IT partner who understands the weight and level of security you need. Get in touch with the team at SystemsNet today to learn more about Duo and our managed services.

The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication

Security, , , ,
Digital fingerprint login multi-factor authentication

Doing nothing is no longer an option as cyber criminals are no longer targeting just large corporations.

Doing nothing is no longer an option: maintaining security for your business’s data–and your customers–has become more critical than ever. If you aren’t actively protecting your business, you can experience downtime (which can mean an expensive loss of income, not to mention the loss of employee labor during your downtime) or lose data. Turning to multi-factor authentication can offer a number of key benefits for your overall network security.

Benefit #1: Weak or stolen credentials play a role in a high percentage of cyber attacks.

Weak credentials, like poor passwords, can make it easy for hackers to break into your company’s system. Worse, when a hacker steals a worker’s credentials, they can often access your company’s data almost entirely unnoticed. A high percentage of cyber attacks begin with weak or stolen credentials that then allow the hacker full access to the system. The higher up the person the stolen credentials come from, in many cases, the more access is provided to the hacker due to those stolen credentials.

Multi-factor authentication makes it harder for hackers to log into your system.

Instead of relying on those weak credentials, multi-factor authentication uses something unique to the user–a phone number, for example–to add an extra layer of protection when they attempt to log in. While it’s not impossible for hackers to work around this barrier, it does slow them down substantially.

Benefit #2: Multi-factor authentication is easy to implement.

You  may already use multi-factor authentication in many areas of your life, often without realizing it. When you forget your email password, for example, the system may trigger a text alert that lets you access your account. It’s a quick, easy method to add an extra layer of security–and it’s one that even your most technologically-challenged team members will be able to easily add to their arsenal.

Benefit #3: Password theft is getting easier.

Tricks like keylogging and phishing are becoming increasingly common, and more hackers than ever have the keys to unlocking your password. Through multi-factor authentication, on the other hand, you make your private data much more difficult to steal–which can in turn create a substantial layer of protection around your entire company. You don’t want to leave your customers or your data at risk–and multi-factor authentication can offer the protection you need.

Benefit #4: Multi-factor authentication helps show the effort your company is putting toward cybersecurity.

Today’s customers are savvier than ever. They understand the threat represented by hackers and other cybersecurity challenges, and they want to know that your company is taking the right steps to protect their private information. When you require multi-factor authentication, you let your customers know that you genuinely care about their security and are willing to take the right steps to protect them.

Benefit #5: Multi-factor authentication can actually streamline workflow.

One of the biggest objections to multi-factor authentication is that it can make it harder to log into the systems you use every day. The reality, however, is that multi-factor authentication is fast. Most of today’s systems deliver a text within seconds, allowing you to quickly log into the system and access the information you need–but they also provide a substantial layer of protection that makes it much more difficult for a hacker to access company data. Advances in technology continue to streamline the process, making it easier on your employees and customers without decreasing the protection added by those elements.

You can no longer afford to do nothing when it comes to securing your company. If you’re ready to take the leap and protect your business and your customers with multi-factor authentication, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.