What is MFA?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has become the gold standard among the rising threats of cyberattacks. MFA smartly combines what you know (like a password), what you have (such as your phone), and who you are (your unique biometrics) every time you log in. Microsoft defines MFA as “a way of confirming your identity when you try to sign in”. We’ll show how you can seamlessly integrate MFA into your daily routine for maximum protection.

An Added Safety Measure

Today, a single password just doesn’t cut it for protecting your online accounts. MFA is an effective, yet user-friendly solution to this issue. Most of us have our devices within reach at all times, making an MFA authenticator app an effortless addition to our routine. You may have even heard of some of the popular ones, like AuthPoint, Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, and Microsoft Authenticator. Using MFA is as simple as entering a few numbers. Adding biometrics like your face or fingerprint elevates security and convenience even further. Let’s explore some easy-to-follow tips for making the most of MFA.

Did You Know...

• 76% of targeted attacks are blocked by MFA
• There has been a 178% increase in MFA use over the last few years
• 99.9% of modern automated cyberattacks are blocked by MFA

4 Tips for Using MFA

Enable MFA for All of Your Accounts

Make this a personal ‘no-exception’ rule for yourself. This is especially important for all of your social media, bank, and email accounts, as these tend to hold the most amount of personal information. Get in the habit of enabling MFA for each mew account you set up, no matter what.

Use an Authenticator App

Using an MFA authenticator like AuthPoint, Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, or Microsoft Authenticator is a safer, easier way to manage MFA with all of your accounts. At the very least, you should be enabling SMS authentication for each account.

Set Pins on Your Devices

To further protect your accounts, use strong lock-screen pins that are at least 6-digits in length on each of your devices. You can also take advantage of biometrics by using fingerprint scans or facial recognition.

Pay Attention to MFA Requests

Every time you receive an MFA request via SMS, email, or phone, pay close attention to whether it is legit or spoof. Hackers are actively using MFA fatigue attacks to trick users into giving them access to their accounts. If you are receiving MFA requests at rapid rates, in unknown locations, or at unusual times, do not accept them.

To Sum Up...

When you embrace MFA and make it a consistent habit, you instantly enhance your personal security to a whole new level. To sum up, getting MFA set up for all your accounts is a smart move. It's like adding an extra lock on your door, making it tougher for anyone you don't want getting in. These are simple steps to make MFA part of your daily routine, without it feeling like a chore.

If you're looking for more ways to keep your life secure, check out our "4 Ways to Improve Your Cybersecurity Today" guide. It's full of easy and practical tips that you can start using right away. It even includes our personal recommendations for the best security apps and tools to use in 2024. Download it for free.