The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for email accounts, especially in high-value areas such as finance. However, a 2FA is good practice for all businesses, whatever your industry.
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authorisation is a type of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that strengthens access security by requiring two methods to verify the user identity. The factors can include things like username and password, plus something like a smartphone app to approve authentication requests.
2FA protects against phishing and attacks that secure logins, exploiting weak or stolen credentials.
Why is 2FA important?
Whilst usernames and passwords are crucial, on their own they are vulnerable to attacks by third parties who may randomly guess or generate usernames and passwords to hack a device. 2FA gives businesses that extra layer of security.
Often our behaviour makes it possible for hackers to gain access, as employees have many online accounts. Research has revealed that over half use the same passwords across multiple accounts. To keep track, many write them down.
Having a password and an extra factor does not make the account 100%, but it does make it more difficult for an attacker to breach.
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