“I don’t believe there is any single item that is more cost effective at improving security for public facing services than two-factor authentication. This is why most Internet banking and other sensitive websites are requiring this nowadays.” – Darrell Brooks, Director of Infrastructure at Think
Even the strongest password may not be enough to protect your sensitive data. Luckily, two-factor authentication (2FA) is here to help.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra level of security to your basic login process. Think of it like this: Having 2FA required for your account login is like having a deadbolt and a keycode for your front door. That way if you lost your key, you would still be protected by the keycode. Or if someone overheard your keycode, you would still have the deadbolt in place.
Just as you would require both the keycode and the physical key to get into your front door, you would also require two different factors to access an account secured with 2FA.
There are three categories used for two-factor authentication:
- A thing you know (like a password or keycode)
- A thing you have (like a keycard or a mobile phone)
- A thing you are (like a fingerprint)
Your two factors should come from two different categories. This is often a password and an auto-generated PIN number that has been sent to you through a text or an app.
Many (if not most) people are guilty of using weak passwords or duplicating passwords for different accounts. This probably includes your employees. Adding 2FA to your security is a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to tighten security for your business.
Take a look at the different two-factor authentication apps available online, or contact Think to discuss options for your business needs. In the end, the one you will use will depend on the kind of deployment that you desire and the structure of your organization.
