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Are you letting passwords give you a false sense of security?

If they’re the only measure of defense you have protecting the data stored and accessed through your business’ IT environment, then you’re at risk.

Case in point – at the latest RSA security conference, Microsoft engineers told attendees that 99.9% of the accounts that are compromised each month don’t have additional security measures enabled. In January 2020, this resulted in 1.2 million breached accounts.

Do You Have Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to the existing system and account logins. By requiring a second piece of information like a randomly-generated numerical code sent by text message, you’re able to make sure that the person using the login credentials is actually who they say they are. Biometrics like fingerprints, voice, or even iris scans are also options, as are physical objects like keycards.

Despite how basic and easy to use multi-factor authentication is, nearly every login event Microsoft tracks use only basic authentication processes – a username and password. That’s why so many accounts end up being breached.

How Can You Protect Your Microsoft Account?

You need to disable legacy authentication protocols and update to one that supports multi-factor authentication. Microsoft notes that doing has resulted in a 67% reduction in breaches.

The most direct way to enhance your login security is with Microsoft’s very own multi-factor authentication solution, Microsoft Authenticator. This solution comes with a range of features:

  • Approve any and all sign-ins from a mobile app using push notifications in order to maintain access control.
  • Utilize biometrics (fingerprint and facial recognition), or one-time passcodes.
  • Augment or replace passwords with two-step verification and boost the security of your accounts from your mobile phone.

If you’re unsure about how to implement a multi-factor authentication solution, don’t try to handle it all on your own. The Compunet Infotech team will help you evaluate your password practices and security measures as a whole to make sure you’re not taking on any unnecessary risks.

Click here or call (604) 986-8170 to get in touch with our team of representatives.