Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the process of verifying your identity before accessing your emails; because an email address and password are no longer enough to keep you safe. There are many ways for hackers to log into your account if you do not use a secure password, or use the same password for multiple accounts and software.
Implementing MFA means that not only do you sign in with your usual Office 365 credentials, but you also need to verify who you are for a second time to ensure it’s actually you. This is done either by phoning your default phone number set in Office 365, or by sending you a verification code to input into their app or website.
Microsoft have contacted each of their partners to ensure they’re implementing Multi-Factor Authentication for all of their clients as soon as possible to enhance the security on their accounts – so we’re springing into action.
What could MFA protect you against?
Multi-Factor Authentication protects you again hackers and any unauthorised personnel attempting to access your information. It can also help prevent other types of attacks including:
- Phishing – the attacker uses a list o phone numbers or email addresses and delivers and message with a call to action.
- Spear Phishing – the attacker targets small groups with messages well-crafted and believable to the target group.
- Keyloggers – The attacker installs a program, usually containing a virus, that captures every keystroke on the user’s computer.
- Man-in-the-Middle – the attacker places itself between a user and an application being used (an example is posing as public Wi-Fi). The program then captures your login information.
- Credential Stuffing – the attacker takes advantage of a user who uses the same password for several different programmes by attempting to use stolen credentials to gain access to different sites and apps.
- Brute Force or Reverse Brute Force – the attacker uses a program to generate possible login credentials on multiple accounts to try to gain access to them.
If you experience any of the attacks outlined above, your information and business can be severely compromised. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication can help to prevent any unauthorised access into your Office 365 Email Account, meaning your business is much safer.
We can help you with this by managing your Office 365 and adding MFA as soon as possible.