Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Can Protect Companies

You wouldn’t drive without a seat belt. You wouldn’t leave your office unlocked overnight. So why go online without multifactor authentication (MFA)?

MFA is like a second lock on your digital door. Instead of relying on just a password, which can be stolen, guessed, or phished, it adds another layer of protection, such as a text code, an authentication app, or a fingerprint scan. Even if a hacker gets your password, without that second step, they’ll hit a dead end.

One Step Can Make All the Difference to Protect Your Company

If locking your front door at night is your password, arming your security system before heading to bed is MFA. Sure, it isn’t strictly necessary-but isn’t it nice to know that you’re still safe if one protection fails?

That’s precisely what MFA does. It simply adds a quick extra step to confirm that it really is you logging in. There are several terms for MFA, such as “two-step verification,” “two-factor authentication,” or a “one-time password.” Still, they all mean the same thing: two or more steps to confirm your identity before granting access to confidential information.

MFA takes several forms: account-creation confirmation e-mails, bank security questions, text codes, push notifications, and phone calls. The majority of these are only a one-tap process.

Why Wilmington Businesses Turn to Atlantic Computer Services for MFA

For Wilmington businesses, the threat isn’t just theoretical. Local companies across the Port City have faced phishing scams and data breaches that started with something as small as a stolen password. That’s why more businesses-from banks along Military Cutoff to startups in Downtown Wilmington-are turning to multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a simple, powerful way to lock down their data.

Real-Life Moments When Multi-factor Authentication Saves the Day

While MFA is pretty easy and quick to deal with on your side of things-just click a button or enter a code and you’re done – the same can’t be said about things on the hackers’ end. If an unauthorized user attempts to log in to your account, having MFA enabled will first send you a notification or code to enter, alerting you to the password breach. This gives you a chance to change your password to something more secure without having all your data stolen.

MFA will also prevent anyone from using a stolen password to access your systems. Even if a hacker tricks an employee into sharing their login, they still won’t get in without that extra step. In fact, Microsoft found that enabling MFA reduces the risk of account compromise by over 99.2%-and by 99.99% for accounts with MFA enabled.

Where and How to Set Up Multi-factor Authentication

The most important places to have MFA enabled are:
• Banking and finance apps
• E-mail and cloud storage
• Social media accounts
• Work logins with client or proprietary information

Setting up MFA is usually straightforward. Many major platforms offer built-in MFA; simply enable one that works best for you and build it into your workflow. Adding an authenticator app can make staff logins even more secure.

In short, MFA is a quick, free way to block the majority of account hacks. Taking a few minutes to enable it today can save you from weeks (or years) of damage control and data loss down the line.

Need Help Setting Up MFA for Your Business?

The easiest way to set up MFA is to contact us at ACS. We make the process go smoothly.

If your business hasn’t set up MFA yet, don’t wait for a breach to make the change. Atlantic Computer Services helps Wilmington businesses secure their systems with easy-to-manage cybersecurity tools, including MFA setup and monitoring.

Take the next step toward safer logins and stronger protection-book a 10-minute discovery call today.