These days, passwords alone are not enough when it comes to managing the access that you provide to your most important business data and information. After all, there are so many different passwords to remember and that could make it hard for your employees to get things done securely.
The default method of authenticating with remote servers is through a password. However, this method is vulnerable to potential security breaches such as hacking and cybercrimes. You can use this guide from Linode to learn the alternatives to manage your passwords and how you can protect your data and information in the event of any cyber-attacks.
Thankfully, there is also the option of multi-factor authentication from identity and access management specialists such as ProofID, that can help. So, continue reading to learn more about how multi-factor authentication could assist you in keeping your company as secure as possible.
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?
First off, what is multi-factor authentication anyway? Put simply, this is a means by which you can give access to a user only after they have presented a few different pieces of information as evidence that proves they are allowed to have access in the first place. They may be asked to show something that they have, as an example, or they may have to prove something that they know, as another example, in order to gain access. In giving multiple pieces of information, a system can identify a user and grant access to information only when it has determined that it is safe to do so. Hackers who don’t have all of the information necessary to pass the multi-factor authentication process will be left out.
Why Multi-Factor Authentication Works
Multi-factor authentication works because it goes beyond the standard password procedure that allows someone to gain access to restricted files and data within an organisation. With a layered defence, it becomes increasingly difficult for those who are unauthorised to see your data. So even if a hacker were able to figure out the right password, they would still need to move through other tests and barriers before being able to access anything important. Oftentimes, they simply aren’t able to gain access because they don’t have the information necessary to prove that they are authorised users.
What Does Multi-Factor Authentication Look Like?
By now, you might be wondering what a multi-factor authentication system looks like. Well, it might involve a user not only swiping their ID card but also entering a secret PIN. Or, it might involve logging onto a site to provide a one-time password that the site’s server can provide to the user upon request. Or, it might involve swiping an ID card, scanning fingerprints, and answering one security question. Another example would involve using a USB token to generate a passcode that can only be used once prior to logging in. So, there are several different factors that you can choose from when you are setting up a multi-factor authentication system. The goal is to make it hard for a user to gain access to your information and you do that by making them go through multiple steps before logging in.
As you can see, multi-factor authentication can be a really helpful tool in keeping your business safe and secure from hackers and thieves. Implementing this technology today will help you rest assured that only authorised users will be able to access your most important data and files.
