No matter what size of your business, data safety is essential. Malware attacks are now projected to cost around $5 trillion in the US alone. And that does not include the severe consequences for your business.  So, what can you do to protect information? Passwords are no longer enough to protect business data. But there is a simple solution that can improve your business’s data protection significantly: two-factor authentication. Here are the business benefits of two-factor authentication.  What Is Two Factor Authentication? Cybercrime does not look like it is slowing down anytime soon. Even some of the biggest companies in the world have been victims of data breaches, sometimes multiple times. Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers an added layer of security for business data protection. An employee still enters a username and password, but they cannot gain immediate access. Instead, there is a second stage to confirm identity. Common 2FA steps include: Using a smartphone, token, another email account, or other objects  Entering a pin, another password, or answering questions Biometric pattern, voice recognition, or other advanced identification Location or time factor If the user can complete the two-factor authentication successfully, they will be granted access to the system. Sometimes systems require even more levels of data safety, so they may rely on two or more credentials for added security. It helps prevent hackers from entering the system, and a user will be notified if there is an attempted breach of the account.  Business Benefits of 2FA What 2FA you need depends on your business. There are a variety of options out there to choose from. However, what all types of two-factor authentication have in common is that they reduce the chance of business data being compromised, along with other business benefits.  Enhanced Security  The size of your business does not matter, as hackers have various motivations to gain access to your system. There are many ways they can do this, but a standard method is simply guessing passwords.  Most individuals pick a password that is easy to remember, but often it is a weak password that is easy to guess. Even if a password is not leaked, it is easy for hackers to try common combinations, such as ‘12345’. Employees can also get confused between their passwords and different accounts or use the same password for all. It means businesses are at more risk nowadays of hackers gaining access to multiple systems.  However, 2FA enhances security for your business. It is a simple step that gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of security breaches. It prevents the escalation of any attacks and quickly puts a stop to them altogether.  Data Protection  The advancements of technology mean most businesses can store information online. However, it also means sensitive information is also possible to access, such as business data, client information, and other sensitive information.  Two-factor authentication ensures your data, employee data, and client data are protected. Employees, customers, and clients want to feel secure when dealing with your business, so it is helpful to have evidence that you have safe data protection measures in place.  Prevent Fraud Business data breaches also come with the risk of fraud. It can take time even to realize data has been accessed, at which point the damage can already be done. Fraud impacts your business and customers too, which is why it is essential to prevent it in the first place. Even if you do not have a credit card or other financial information on your systems, any data breach can allow a hacker to begin to profile your customer or business and access the information they need.  Business Flexibility A surprising benefit of two-factor authentication is that it improves business flexibility. You are not tied to the office when accessing business data and other essential details to complete work. In a time where remote working is on the rise, businesses have the opportunity to improve mobility and introduce flexible working. However, for many companies, there is a valid security concern. Two-factor authentication allows employees to securely access systems, no matter what device they are on. You can also personalize settings to determine what devices, locations, and information can be accessed. There are different authentication systems out there, so you can pick one convenient for your business.  Save Money Breaches of business data come with a cost. There is the immediate cost of investigating violations and recovering lost data. However, there is also the cost of your business reputation, which can have a lasting impact.  As they say, prevention is better than cure. And two-factor authentication is the perfect prevention tool to save money long-term. You also reduce the costs of IT helpdesk costs. After all, many people also forget their passwords, and password resets can require technical support. Two-factor authentication simplifies resets and reduces technical support costs as a result.  Increased Productivity Two-factor authentication also can boost productivity for your business. Employees can focus on their jobs instead of waiting for technical support or spending hours guessing their passwords. Employees can also immediately update systems and access business data when they need it most. There will be no more delays in communication or issues with accessing essential information for business decisions when needed most.  Secure Confidence Employees and customers want to feel secure. Easy access systems and data breaches also damage your business credibility. Employees and customers will respect security protocols, as it benefits everyone involved.  You are also likely to get more business. Nine out of ten consumers say it is vital they know how secure their information is. If you can evidence robust security protocols such as two-factor authentication, you will provide the confidence they need.  Invest In Two Factor Authentication There are many business benefits of two-factor authentication. And now is the time to invest. It is essential to pick a security system that you can depend on.  Are you ready to secure your business? LogMeOnce is the security system you need to manage online security. Sign up for free to get started. 

Cyberattacks can deal massive damage to your business. They affect your business standing and consumer trust. They target various aspects of your system, including logins and other relevant information. Among the cyberattacks that occur, 45% utilize hacking. About 22% come from phishing, and 17% involve malware use. As the number of methods for cyberattacks increase, the need for effective cybersecurity increases. Two-factor authentication is a cybersecurity method that can help protect your accounts. Read on to learn how this method works and how you can benefit from it. What Is Two-Factor Authentication? Most user accounts have single-factor authentication for their security. It involves a set of usernames and passwords to gain access. The term “factor” pertains to how a system validates the user’s identity before they can use the account. Two-factor authentication, also referred to as 2FA, is a process that requires two stages. These stages come up to verify the user’s identity. The factors use something that the user already possesses to access the account. In most cases, two-factor authentication uses two different platforms. It often uses a separate device, such as a smartphone, for the second factor for confirmation.  How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work? Two-factor authentication conducts two different tests to check if you’re the real account owner. The first test is through the username and the password. Once that goes through, the second test comes in to verify the login attempt. This second challenge requires you to use a device or a different channel to verify the login attempt. It’s often a push notification on your smartphone. It comes in the form of a one-time password (OTP). You’ll receive this OTP through a different channel, such as a text message, phone call, and so on. You must input these codes within a certain duration or they expire. Types of Two-Factor Authentication You have a lot of options when using two-factor authentication online and on other devices. Each of these offers a different approach that may suit your needs. These authentication types can show you how 2FA works well to keep your accounts secured. App-Generated Authentication Codes For this method, an app generates codes to access the account. For each login session, the app generates a different authentication code. To accomplish this process, use apps such as Google Authenticator and load them on your phone. The good thing about the app is that it won’t need any signal to function. The app generates time-limited codes on your device. You get to enter the generated code on the login without any fear of breaches, making it an effective setup. Physical Authentication Keys You can go toward a physical approach—in this case, authentication keys that you can plug into the computer. These work well for big companies, especially for enterprises operating in the technology and financial sectors. Known as U2F, these use tokens to provide the necessary 2FA. The current iteration of this method uses small USB devices. You can insert these into your computer’s USB port. It gives the impression of using a physical key to access your user accounts. Other Forms of Two-Factor Authentication You can see other forms of 2FA available for you to use. Some mobile apps use a different method.  Some of these use a codeless 2FA. In this setup, the mobile app links to another device to confirm that you initiated the login attempt. Another setup is to use email-based authentication. This method of two-factor authentication online allows you to use an email address.  From there, you receive an OTP for the account. However, email-based 2FA isn’t as secure as other methods. If the hackers compromised your email address, they can bypass this authentication method. A different iteration of two-factor authentication goes up a step. In this particular setup, it uses multiple challenges before the system grants the user access to the account. This approach is Multiple Factor Authentication or MFA. MFA uses various elements such as biometrics or location to verify the login attempt. It’s one of the most secure methods of authentication around. It’s often implemented to protect sensitive documents and information. Why Should You Go for Two-Factor Authentication? With the shift toward hybrid and remote workforces, you need a system to secure a means for workers to log in and conduct their tasks. Bolstering cybersecurity is a must, meaning you also need cybersecurity awareness to go with the use of the 2FA. With this in mind, having 2FA can help with your data security through these benefits. Stronger Data Security The primary benefit of 2FA is the palpable increase in security levels. It decreases the risk of hackers gaining access to business-owned devices, accounts, and sensitive information. It’s especially when your business deals with customers’ financial information. A weak password makes it easy for hackers to break in. This is especially the case for single-factor authentication setups. With two-factor authentication, they still need to get past the second stage. The best part is that the system alerts you whenever an invalid authentication attempt happens. Prevents Identity Theft and Fraud 2FA also enables you to prevent identity theft and fraud. These are some of the most notable dangers for remote work arrangements. It gives you a chance to stop hackers from accessing the account. Encourages Productivity and Flexibility A secure working condition enables employees to focus on working. It also enables workers to access corporate systems on any device. They do so without putting sensitive information at risk. Go for Two-Factor Authentication Today With two-factor authentication, you can boost your data security and prevent cyberattacks. You need to have a strong cybersecurity system to keep your business protected. It ensures that your consumers trust you with their information. For that, we have the means to help you bolster your cybersecurity and online information. Contact us today and we can help you get started.

Are you concerned about your cybersecurity? As technology continues to advance, so do cyber threats. Every year, we face at least 30 million cyber-attacks. Many companies carry a thousand sensitive files and leave them unprotected. Cyber attacks are a growing concern for all internet users. Whether you’re running a business or a regular browser, you need to protect your data. There are many ways you can protect your data. One of the known methods is 2FA, but what is 2FA? In this article, we give you a quick guide for understanding 2FA. Read on to find out more and secure your online data today!  What is 2FA So, what is 2FA? 2FA, otherwise known as two-factor identification, is an added layer of security (i.e. a 2nd lock). It is an extra step, often seen in the log-in process. It helps by verifying your identity for a 2nd time to prevent hackers from getting your data. This can be in the form of a fingerprint scan or a code sent to your phone. Cybercriminals and thieves can’t access this information, even with your username and password. 2FA is one of the subsets of multi-factor authentication. These are methods for confirming your identity before you can access your account. Two-factor authentication, from the name itself, requires only two factors. Other multi-factor authentications can ask for more. Most websites use one-factor authentication, asking only for your email address and password. In two-factor authentication, the site will usually send a numerical code with six-digits. You may only then access this site after entering this code. Even if you know the right password, you will not be able to log in without the code.  Importance of Two-Factor Authentication Today, there are many advanced hackers. Many passwords are weak, even with extra measures and requirements. Studies show that Gen Z uses the same password across all their accounts. Many people still use the generic QWERTY and 123456 passwords. As more people continue to use weak passwords, it becomes easier for hackers  to guess them. That’s why two-factor authentication is a necessary step for cyber security. While it may seem like a hassle, you could leave yourself open to hackers without 2FA. Many websites hold your bank account information, online credit card, and personal information. 2FA prevents hackers from accessing this information. A cyberthief will not be able to access your account when they need a verification code from your phone. If you want to keep your information secure, you need 2FA. If you’re asking yourself, do I need two-factor authentication? The answer is yes. Types of 2FA Two-factor authentication contains several categories. With the forms listed above, an app or website may ask for these types of 2FA. Hardware Tokens This type requires a user to have some type of token on hand. It can be a USB token that you insert into a device before you can log in. Some tokens come with a digital code that a user must enter before logging in. Voice and SMS 2FA An app, device or site will send you a text or voice message. In this message, they will give you a code that you can use to enter an account. Software Tokens You may find some apps that serve as token for 2FA. Any site that supports this app will send the code to the app. You must access this verification code from the app before you can log in. Push Notifications Some websites and apps like Facebook use this form of 2FA. You need to download the push notification app before you can get a code. After entering your login credentials, your mobile phone will receive a push notification. It contains a message, asking you to approve your log-in attempt. Biometrics Biometric 2FA is one of the more advanced versions of 2FA. Sites and websites that use this form of 2FA ask for a physical trait that you have. Fingerprint scanners are the most common form of biometric 2FA. Location A site may send an alert if you log in from a different location than where it usually registers your account. You may also receive this alert if you log in from a new device. How to Enable 2FA Not all sites use two-factor authentication. However, many sites allow you to activate 2FA for your account. You can find this in your account settings, usually under your Security tab. Some websites that use 2FA include: Instagram Dropbox Amazon Linkedin Intuit Paypal Yahoo Mint Turbotax Ensure to enable two-factor in high-priority accounts. If your account contains sensitive information and your bank account, enable 2FA. How Secure is 2FA Even with 2FA, nothing can be a hundred percent sure. Advanced technology allows cybercriminals to bypass the system. Even with 2FA enabled, some cyberthieves can access your account. They can do this if an account recovery resets your login credentials through email. Still, enabling two-factor authentication is the better option. It gives you a better chance at preventing criminals from hacking into your accounts. Cyber threats are growing as we continue to develop into the modern age. If you want to protect your information, you need to take extra precautionary steps. Take Advantage of 2FA Today! What is 2FA? It is a security measure that you can use to protect your data. Don’t hesitate to activate it now and keep your accounts and sensitive data safe from hackers. However, in some cases, two-factor authentication may not be enough. Want to know more about protecting your data? Contact us today to upgrade your account security!