Two Factor Authentication:

2FA, might be something you have heard people mention but have no idea what it stands for. Perhaps you have never heard it before. There is a good chance though that you are already using it on a regular basis in your day to day life.

So 2FA, or two factor authentication, is a verification process whereby the ability gain access as a logged in user of a website or app is only granted after the person trying to gain entry provides two or more pieces of evidence known only to them. This could be knowledge such as a password; possession such as a card reader; or inherent such as a fingerprint or retinal scan. Let’s look at a couple of examples to hopefully make it clear:

Example one – Online banking

If you use online banking, you will have to use multiple steps to log in to your account. This may be your PIN, and another form of password or memorable number. If you log in via a smartphone or tablet, you may use your fingerprint instead. Once inside the website or app, you may be required to use a card reader to set up a new direct debit, or to transfer money.

Example two – Logging in to a website account

Another example, and one that is becoming more common, is that many websites and applications, such as Google, will now send a code or one-time password to your smartphone as part of the process of logging in to your account. This ensures that extra step to stop unwanted people from ordering items from the account. Both of these methods use 2 step verification, or in fact the banks sometimes go further and require multi factor authentication (more than two).

What’s wrong with just a password?

The point of two factor authentication, is that it provides an extra layer of security over the standard single factor authentication of just a password or PIN, and better protects all those users with Password123! and 1234 as their password and PIN. Someone reading this blog will have one of those, guaranteed!

So, you are using 2FA in your day-to-day life, but what exactly does this mean for you and your business?

Two factor authentication and your business

As we have discovered using a form of two step verification adds an extra layer of security, and this is the same in business. 2FA can be applied to a wide range hardware, and software including devices, banking and invoicing software, and even at account level. As we rely on technology more and more in our lives, protecting personal and business information becomes more important. Two factor authentication is a good start, and it is something that Windsor Telecom can help with. Did you know that a staggering 73% of online accounts are protected with duplicate passwords? Also, 54% of people use only 5 or less passwords across their entire digital life including when they are picking passwords to use at work.

At Windsor Telecom our in-house support team can evaluate, implement and monitor IT security levels within your business, ensuring that your hardware, cloud telephony handsets and mobiles are protected. If you’re interested to hear how we could safeguard your business, give us a call on 0800 160 1111.