Article Written by: Julius Caten
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a “security technology that requires multiple methods of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify a user's identity for a login or other transaction.”*
MFA makes it much harder for the average cybercriminal to gain access to your computer, smart phone, or online account. MFA should be used on every account possible whether it be personal or business accounts.
Here are a few reasons why it is important to use MFA for personal accounts:
Protection against ransomware attacks
Protection from unauthorized bank account access
Protection from unauthorized ATM account access
Protection from unauthorized smart phone access
Protection from making unauthorized purchases through online retail accounts
Here are a few reasons why it is important to use MFA for business or building accounts:
Prevent former employees from accessing company networks and servers
Protection against ransomware attacks
Protection from unauthorized access to online systems such as email, billing or banking accounts, and remote access systems
In the Operational Technology (OT) world, MFA reduces the likely hood of an unauthorized user from taking down your
Building Management System
Lighting Control System
Access Control System
Camera System
Here at 5Q, our 5Q Cyber team is focused on commercial real estate OT and IoT systems. Unfortunately, our team frequently sees systems without MFA even though it is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent a multitude of cyber-attacks. Failing to require MFA across an organization creates thousands of vulnerabilities that bad actors can easily access to install ransomware or other forms of malware.
To learn more about how 5Q Cyber can help your organization adopt multi-factor authentication, reach out to us at info@5qcloud.com. To learn more about the services our 5Q Cyber team provides, visit 5qcloud.com/5q-cyber
Sources:
*https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/multifactor-authentication-MFA