Protect Your Networks with Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication protects your business network and devices from unauthorized users. Contact Alvarez Technology Group today for all your IT service needs.
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is used to verify the identity of individuals attempting to log onto a system. It requires more than one form of validation. MFA is created from a combination of biometric, physical and logical techniques, and it’s used to create another layer of security on devices, in facilities and for access to services.
“We’ve embraced multi-factor authentication at our company as a way to secure ourselves and secure our clients. So, almost all the sites we use are using MFA,” according to Luis Alvarez CEO of the Alvarez Technology Group, a leading IT services company in Salinas, CA.
In addition to your password, many credit card companies now require a code, which they text or email to you, to perform tasks such as changing your passwords or account information. The code sent through a separate verification process expires in a short time for security purposes, so it has to be entered right away. This is another form of multi-factor authentication. If someone steals your device login information, they still need that code (which is probably going to your cell phone) to gain access to your accounts.
How Does MFA Work?
MFA requires two or more security verifications. There are three types of MFA credentials:
- Something you know, like a PIN or password
- Something you have, like dedicated hardware such as a fob or your cellphone
- Something you are, like an eye or fingerprint
To qualify as MFA, or 2FA as it’s sometimes called, you need credentials in at least two of these categories. For example, requiring a password and fingerprint scan meets these criteria.
In many cases, it’s even easier. MFA may recognize the computer, smartphone or another device you log in from. This makes it harder to break into your account from a computer on the other side of the world.
When Should I Use MFA?
Use MFA as often as possible to control who can get into your network. This should include personal and work scenarios such as:
- Primary and work email
- Health records
- Personal and business financial accounts
You might not be able to hire James Bond to safeguard your data, but multi-factor authentication makes poor James rather irrelevant.
If you are interested in making your data and network more secure with multi-factor authentication, Alvarez Technology Group can help. Contact us today for all your IT service needs.
