Two-factor authentication is effective against hackers

Does your business use 2FA across your employees and platforms? Do you need to? Two-factor authentication is one of the preferred methods in preventing the multi-billion-dollar cybercrime industry from damaging your business. In 2016, cybercriminals stole $16 billion from 15.4 million Americans. Cybercriminals ply their underworld trade with the precision of NASA scientists. As criminals continue to invent new methods, cybersecurity experts must develop more sophisticated protections. Let’s take a look at how 2FA can help.

Passwords alone don’t cut it. Professional hackers have software and techniques that easily break these ineffective codes. Using passwords alone is like locking your front door but leaving the back door wide open. All a thief must do is take a few extra steps. For hackers, having just a password is an easy system to infiltrate.

To fully protect your company and its reputation, start internally with proactive steps to ensure data security. If you have yet to install two-factor authentication (2FA) systems to augment passwords, we can help your business do so immediately. It’s only a matter of time before hackers target your company. Simply put, 2FA requires a second piece of unique information to confirm the user’s identity. This is an easy practice to implement across your employees to strengthen your security defenses.

Why are passwords not good enough?

In 1961, MIT created a password system to ensure students had equal access to the computer system. In a short time, some students figured out how to hack the system and print out the passwords. They were then able to monopolize the system. Passwords didn’t work then, and that was before the invention of hacker software.  Today, professional Hackers are actively scanning U.S. businesses 24 hours a day- don’t let your business fall victim.

In 2019, passwords will fail for many reasons, including:

• Users choose weak passwords so that they can remember them.
• Users use universal or recycled passwords.
• Hackers use software that tests thousands of sites for access with recycled passwords.
• Security fatigue reduces vigilance, providing hackers with many openings.

Types of 2FA available to make your company more secure.

The simplest 2FA systems ask the user to answer a secret question after the username and password are entered. Though helpful, hackers can find the answers to many of these questions, especially when the answer is something like the name of the town where the person was born.

Hardware tokens

Hardware tokens strengthen 2FA systems because the user has the small token on their person. The token emits a code that must be used within 30 seconds. There is a new code for each login attempt.

Text message and voice-based 2FA

Text message 2FA systems text a unique code to the user’s smartphone after the username and password are entered. The user has a limited time to enter the code. Voice-based systems call the user’s cellphone with a recorded message that provides the code. Voice-based 2FA works best in areas with limited smartphone use or poor internet connectivity.

Software tokens

Software tokens run on the same device used to log in. They can be installed for free on any computer, smartphone, or tablet. Like hardware tokens, these apps provide a unique code for each login attempt.

Push notification

The user receives a push notification, which is an electronic button the user pushes to prove his or her identity. Push buttons appear on a secondary, internet-connected device, such as a smartphone. They eliminate phishing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized access.

How we can help.

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving endeavor. With a strong 2FA system, companies can rest assured that they have secured their data. ThinkTech Advisors offers cybersecurity solutions and consulting to fully protect your company’s IT systems. Cybersecurity is all about being ahead of the curve. When hackers know more than you, you are vulnerable. Don’t give hackers the edge they need- partner with our cybersecurity team to stay ahead of hackers and keep your assets secure.