Every October, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency team up with the security industry to host National Cyber Security Awareness Month. We think this is a great opportunity to recap some of the things we’ve been teaching our clients regarding security.
Harbor Computer Services is making it a priority to have MFA turned on for all clients by the end of this month.
What is MFA?
MFA stands for Multi-factor Authentication. What it means is that a second method of evidence is required to sign in to prove that you are who you say you are. This isn’t a new idea. For a while now, websites have been using MFA when you need to reset your password. A link or instructions will be sent to your email address, and you must go into your email, verifying who you are.
There are several variations of MFA:
- Receiving a code – A code is sent to you through other means such as email or phone
- Biometrics – Fingerprint or facial recognition
- Authenticator apps – An app on your phone can constantly generate codes or can alert you when a login attempt is detected
Why MFA is important
Since the dawn of the internet and email, shady characters have tried multiple ways to get to your personal information. As the technology to prevent attacks has become more sophisticated, the bad guys have also gotten more sophisticated in finding ways around that technology.
Passwords account for 81% of data breaches. Computers cannot tell if the wrong person has accessed your account. If the password is right, you’re in. The same goes for the bad guys.
While there is no foolproof method available yet, MFA is the most important security feature available today. By requiring the 2nd level of verification, it thwarts the attack on your password.
Someday passwords will be a thing of the past. Your best chance to thwart attacks is using MFA. If your business apps allow for MFA, we suggest that they get turned on immediately.
About Harbor Computer Services
Harbor Computer Services is an IT firm servicing Southeastern Michigan. We work exclusively under contract with our clients to provide technology direction and either become the IT department or provide assistance to the internal IT they already have. We have won many awards for our work over the years, including the worldwide Microsoft Partner of the Year in 2010. We’re the smallest firm to have ever won this most prestigious award. Most recently we were recognized as one of the top 20 visionaries in small business IT by ChannelPro Magazine (2015). And in 2016 as the top Michigan IT firm for Manufacturing. There are a few simple things that make Harbor Computer Services the best choice for your business. •We are Professionals •We are Responsible •We are Concerned About The Success of Your Business
