Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Enable MFA; Disable the Hackers
8 October 2024
Last week, we kicked off Cybersecurity Awareness Month, detailing strong passwords as your first line of defence against a cyber attack; this week, we cover the second: multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Multi-factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more methods of verification to access your accounts. Rather than relying solely on a password, MFA can come in several forms. These include a code sent to your phone or email, an external authenticator app, a security key, or biometrics including fingerprints or facial recognition. This means that even if a hacker manages to get your password, they won’t be able to access your account without that second factor.
Where should you use MFA?
In an ideal world, every account you use should incorporate MFA; however, if this is your first time using it, start with the accounts that hold the most sensitive and personal information about you. Below are the key areas to prioritise.
Email Providers
Your email accounts are the gateway to resetting other online passwords. As such, protect it to the utmost extent.
Accounts with Financial Information
Your financial information goes beyond your online bank accounts. Online stores you shop with hold your financial information too, and cyber attackers can exploit it similarly.
Accounts with Personal Information
It is critical to protect yourself from impersonation. As such, accounts that hold personal information about you, like social media accounts, and access to your personal contacts should be protected.
Initially, MFA may feel like a chore, but setting it up is easier than you think, and the good habit becomes second nature over time. Some forms of MFA are already built into the accounts you operate. However, some MFA come in the form of external applications. In cases like this, our analysts recommend various MFA applications, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Duo Mobile.
