The Importance of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA or TFA) provides an additional layer of protection against threats posed by hackers. This solution prevents unauthorized access to accounts even when a bad actor has compromised the password. TFA relies on the possession of a device, such as a smartphone. A combination of a password and a code delivered to the mobile device reinforces account protection.
A study conducted jointly by the John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland revealed that roughly 28 percent of participants have never used 2FA on any account. Individuals highlighted inconvenience and privacy as reasons for reluctance in adopting the authentication method.
Researchers discovered that most participants lacked detailed knowledge of 2FA, which undermined their willingness to adopt the security measure. These revelations prove that many people misunderstand and underappreciate the role played by two-factor authentication.
Reasons to Adopt Two-Factor Authentication
Radius Executive IT Solutions recommends employing 2FA to protect accounts for business applications and other IT assets. The failure to adopt this measure compromises data protection and may lead to disruptions. Hackers can cause havoc by stealing information or triggering unwanted system downtime.
Hence, the need to add an extra layer of cyber defense by compelling users to verify their identity before accessing sensitive corporate data stored in the cloud or on-premise servers. In doing so, your organization makes it harder for bad actors to compromise IT infrastructure’s security. This approach mitigates the risk of data loss, malware infections, fraud, or identity theft.
The majority of two-factor authentication systems bolster protection by taking advantage of the details known by the user, a device owned by an account holder, or bodily parts (fingerprint or face ID). In some cases, the authentication process entails verification with one or more of these factors. When verification involves more than one factor, the security measure becomes multifactor authentication.
Downsides of Traditional Password Authentication
Passwords have played an integral role in terms of authentication since the dawn of the digital revolution. However, experts at Radius Executive IT Solutions in Boston, MA, can confirm that passwords come with significant downsides. Hackers can compromise 90 percent of passwords in less than six hours.
On the other hand, up to two-thirds of users rely on a single password for all their digital accounts. Sophisticated hackers can test billions of passwords in a second. For this reason, you need to protect your company’s IT assets using two- or multifactor authentication.
Microsoft Authenticator
If your organization uses Microsoft tools, consider taking advantage of the Microsoft Authenticator app, which simplifies account protection. The tool allows your team members to verify their identities via phone, pin, fingerprint, or face identification as part of the two-step verification process. Once the Authenticator confirms the account holder’s identity, the user can access Microsoft products and services like MS Teams, Dynamics 365, and Outlook.
Microsoft Authenticator is also compatible with multifactor authentication. The app generates a one time password (OTP), which expires after 30 seconds. Users can add multiple accounts to the Authenticator application. The best part is that the tool allows your team members to add non-Microsoft accounts, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Dropbox, Github, Google, and other platforms.
Why Choose Radius Executive IT Solutions
IT experts at Radius come with more than 75 years of combined technical experience. They specialize in healthcare IT and can handle other information technology tasks. Companies in Boston and New England leverage the expertise to reduce IT infrastructure downtime and boost productivity.
Radius Executive IT Solutions offers various services, including strategic information technology consulting, server virtualization, cybersecurity, and managed IT services. The vendor takes a proactive approach to keeping clients’ computer systems running optimally. From upgrading and replacing hardware to helping your organization choose the right IT assets, you can count on the firm to provide professional support at all times.
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