The Multi-Factor Authentication Dilemma: Security vs. User Convenience

Have you noticed that logging into your online accounts nowadays can sometimes require an additional step beyond just typing in your password? Perhaps you have to confirm your identity on your phone or type in an extra code sent to your email. For some, this extra layer of security—called multi-factor authentication—may feel like an added inconvenience to your already busy day.

Sure, it can be easy to make a back in my day statement about the simpler password protections of yesteryear. Or maybe the thought of a few extra seconds required to log in has kept you from implementing a multi-factor authentication policy in your business. Balancing security and user convenience can certainly be a dilemma when establishing your IT protocols. But we believe that multi-factor authentication is a necessary step to secure your business from cybercriminals today.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), also known as two-factor authentication or two-step verification, utilizes a second authenticator beyond a password to verify your identity when logging into your online accounts. This extra step in the login process typically involves a PIN sent to your email, phone, or other device. Once you receive it, you’re required to enter the PIN on the login screen before gaining access.

Two-factor authentication provides enhanced security by combining your login password with an identifier associated with you specifically, whether it’s something you have elsewhere (like your email or phone) or even a part of you (such as your thumbprint, voice, or retina). Think of MFA as a simple double check that ensures it’s actually you accessing your account—and not a cybercriminal who knows your password.

Why Multi-Factor Authentication is a Must-Have

At Affinity Technology Partners, we encourage all our clients to utilize multi-factor authentication in their businesses. We also understand that MFA can be a minor inconvenience at times for your employees (IT experts are people too, you know!). In spite of this, we still believe it’s an absolute must-have in the world we all live in.

Unfortunately, some companies still don’t prioritize a multi-factor authentication policy for their IT security and have to deal with the consequences afterwards. Just recently, a local business without MFA experienced a rude awakening when a hacker broke into their system and sent several “company emails” to employees asking them to send money to a new bank account. Talk about a major headache. And that’s just one story. We see this kind of thing fairly often, sadly.

To obtain cyber insurance, multi-factor authentication is also a baseline requirement (as well as a modern data management plan). If you don’t have MFA, then you simply can’t get this vital insurance. And that leaves your company unprotected from liabilities associated with cyberattacks and data breaches. The bottom line is your company becomes extremely vulnerable in today’s business environment if you don’t have multi-factor authentication in place.

Cell Phones and Two-Factor Authentication

As two-factor authentication becomes more commonplace, employees’ personal cell phones can get more involved in the login process. As a result, our clients sometimes come to us with security concerns about using personal devices. Is it OK for MFA?

Since an employee’s personal cell phone is used simply as a key to unlock their account, there’s no reason to worry that important information will get stolen. A cell phone won’t open any doors for proprietary company data to go where it shouldn’t, and it certainly doesn’t compromise the privacy of your employees, either. The connection between cell phones and two-factor authentication is likely here to stay—so don't be afraid to utilize it in your MFA login process.

Solve the Multi-Factor Authentication Dilemma with Affinity

While multi-factor authentication may feel like a dilemma for your company, it doesn’t have to be with Affinity Technology Partners. We can help you implement the right MFA that balances security and user convenience while protecting you from multi-factor authentication fatigue attacks and other advanced cybercriminal tactics. To secure your business for the modern world, contact our team today to learn more about our outsourced IT solutions.