October 27, 2025
Just as you wouldn't drive without buckling your seat belt or leave your office unlocked overnight, you shouldn't go online without activating multifactor authentication (MFA).
MFA acts as an essential second layer of defense for your digital accounts. Instead of solely relying on a password—which can be stolen, guessed, or phished—it requires an additional verification step, such as a text message code, an authentication app prompt, or a fingerprint scan. Even if a hacker obtains your password, without this extra verification, they won't gain access.
One Simple Step That Transforms Your Security
Think of your password as locking your front door at night. MFA is like setting your security alarm before bed. It's not absolutely mandatory, but it's reassuring to know that even if one safeguard fails, another stands ready to protect you.
MFA adds a swift and straightforward extra step to verify your identity each time you log in. You might encounter terms like "two-step verification," "two-factor authentication," or "one-time password," but they all refer to the same concept: requiring two or more steps to confirm your identity before granting access to sensitive information.
MFA can take many forms, including confirmation emails during account creation, bank security questions, text codes, push notifications, and phone calls. Most methods only take a single tap or entry to complete.
Real-Life Examples Where MFA Prevents Data Breaches
While MFA is quick and effortless from your perspective—just clicking a button or entering a code—it's a major obstacle for hackers. If someone tries to access your account without authorization, MFA instantly notifies you or requires a code input, alerting you to the breach. This early warning lets you update your password promptly, before your data is compromised.
Moreover, MFA blocks unauthorized users trying to exploit stolen passwords. Even if a hacker convinces an employee to share login info, they can't proceed without the extra authentication step. In fact, Microsoft's research shows enabling MFA cuts the risk of account compromises by over 99.2%, and up to 99.99% for accounts using MFA.
Critical Accounts to Protect with MFA and How to Set It Up
Prioritize enabling MFA on these important accounts:
- Banking and financial services apps
- Email and cloud storage platforms
- Social media accounts
- Work-related logins containing client data or proprietary information
Setting up MFA is generally straightforward. Most leading platforms include built-in MFA options—just activate the one that suits your needs and integrate it into your daily routine. Adding an authenticator app enhances security and streamlines staff logins.
In essence, MFA is a fast, cost-free solution that stops the majority of hacking attempts before they start. Taking a few minutes to activate MFA today can save you from enduring extensive data loss and costly recovery efforts in the future.
The simplest way to implement MFA is to reach out to your IT provider. Experienced managed service providers (MSPs) ensure a smooth setup process. If you need cybersecurity expertise, click here or call us at 435-313-8132 to schedule a 10-Minute Conversation with our team now.
