A Critical Security Requirement for Your Business
As a business owner, one of your most valuable assets is your data. A data breach can put you at significant risk by disrupting business operations, harming your reputation and making your employees, vendors and customers vulnerable to identify theft. It’s a big responsibility to protect the integrity of your data and systems, and it’s vital that you take steps to help ensure system security.
One way to enhance your level of protection is by implementing enterprise-wide two-factor authentication (2FA). In contrast to single-factor authentication, which requires only a username and a password, 2FA requires users to provide two pieces of information when logging into company systems. This multilayered approach to gaining system access makes it significantly more difficult for fraudsters to access your company’s data.
Following are five tips to help you implement a 2FA solution to enhance your company’s security.
#1 – Choose the right type of 2FA verification.
Be sure to carefully consider what verification factors make sense for your business, your employees and your clients. You’ll want to make your 2FA process as user-friendly as possible while helping to ensure the highest level of security. Some people are more comfortable providing certain biometric data, such as a fingerprint, while others may find that intrusive. For this reason, you may want to offer multiple 2FA options for users to choose from.
2FA verification factors typically include the following:
- Something the user has, such as an email address or phone number that can be used to verify the user’s identity
- Something the user knows, such as the answer to a security question
- Something the user is, such as biometric characteristics (this could include a fingerprint, facial ID or voice verification)
- The user’s location, such as an IP address or geolocation
#2 – Implement enterprise-wide 2FA.
Using 2FA on only certain systems or applications is akin to locking the front door while leaving the back door wide open. Your company is best protected by an enterprise-wide 2FA process that includes all departments, employees, devices and access points.
#3 – Combine 2FA with single sign-on.
Single sign-on (SSO) allows users to log in to multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Combining SSO with 2FA provides an additional level of security while still allowing verified users to easily access various systems.
#4 – Implement an employee training program.
2FA can significantly reduce your company’s exposure to cyberfraud; however, it’s only as strong as those who use it. In addition to 2FA, consider implementing an employee cybersecurity training program that educates your employees on the following:
- The benefits of using 2FA
- How 2FA plays a key role in preventing against cyberattacks and data breaches
- How 2FA protects the company’s accounts and data
- How to establish their preferred 2FA verification factors
- Whom to contact with any issues or concerns
#5 – Regularly review your 2FA process.
Data and cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and fraudsters are always developing new strategies to hack into systems, install malicious software and/or access confidential data. That’s why it’s important to regularly review and update your 2FA process. As new threats emerge, make sure you’re updating your 2FA strategies and employee training programs to keep up with those threats.
As part of your review process, be sure to solicit employee feedback on the 2FA experience. Ask for their thoughts on ease of use, reliability and convenience. If any issues arise, be sure to address them by making any necessary adjustments or improvements to your 2FA process.
Could you use help implementing a 2FA process for your business? Creative Planning Business Services is here for you. To get started, schedule a call.
