If you have logged into any high-security account recently, chances are good that you have at least come across a site asking you if you want to enroll in multifactor authentication. Though you may have not taken advantage of this tool yet, you would be incredibly wise to do so.
Essentially, multi-factor authentication offers another layer of security when it comes to you logging in to certain kinds of websites. It is the process in which an individual who is trying to log on to a specific site receives a multi-character code (typically six characters or more) to log in to a specific site, like a company network, a bank account, or something else that has sensitive and important information that hackers may try to get into.
The important thing to know about multi-factor authentication is that the code is always changing. The code can be found on a program, or in many cases, the code will be automatically sent to a cell phone number that is attached to the login profile when that user requests it. It is far safer than simply having a password that always remains the same, and can make the difference between an account getting hacked, and an account remaining safe and locked to anyone who does not have access to it.
If you are curious about the advantages of multi-factor authentication then you have absolutely come to the right place. Let’s see more about breaking down the top five advantages of this tool together.
Table of Contents
Stronger security
This should go without saying, but it is such a benefit that we felt it was important to mention. Multi-factor authentication for SMS drastically reduces the risk of a hacker gaining access to your personal and professional devices or other sensitive information. The reason why it’s because only you will receive the authentication code needed to log in.
Beyond that, the multi-factor authentication code is nothing like a typical password. Passwords stay the same year and year and become easier to hack over time. As for multi-factor authentication codes, they are changing by the second and the code that you receive via your phone will only work for a few moments before it is replaced by a different code entirely. This makes it nearly impossible to hack if it is used correctly.
Stronger security not only makes you and your company more safe day after day, but it also offers an important level of peace of mind, something that we could all benefit from having a little more of these days.
Improves Flexibility and Productivity
Another reason why authentication codes are so useful is that they improve access ability, flexibility and productivity. The reason why is because it makes it possible for individuals to safely access certain systems from any device without putting the data within those systems at risk. This means that programs and data can be accessed from home when employees are on vacation and more.
This has been especially useful over the last year and a half as so many millions of Americans have continued to work from home exclusively through the COVID-19 pandemic. Using multi-factor authentication codes makes sure that while people may be working on their home computers, your work network and the server will remain as secure and safe as always. Whether you are welcoming people into the office now, or still waiting to have employees return from their office at home, multi-factor authentication offers just another important wall of security to make sure that everyone’s information is staying safe.
Lowers Security Costs
One of the most expensive things certain companies have to pay for is security. This is especially true if sensitive information is kept on a company’s servers. If multi-factor authentication is needed to access those systems, there may be less of a need for around-the-clock security.
While security is always something that companies want to take seriously, it is never a bad idea to look for a cheaper and more effective solution. After all, security teams often do most of their work once a security breach has already occurred. As for multi-factor authentication, that security is done to prevent any breach from occurring in the first place!
Improves Customer Trust
One of the biggest hits a company can take when it comes to building trust with customers and clients is any kind of data breach. Data breaches can lead to two massive exoduses of repeat clients and customers, and can even lead to lawsuits being handed down to companies from customers who have fallen victim to those data breaches. Multi-factor authentication drastically reduces the risk of those kinds of breaches, which in turn improves customer trust over time.
Customer trust is one of the most important things when it comes to maintaining a successful business. If you can make your customers and clients feel as though their sensitive information is safe and secure in the hands of your business, then you will be well on your way to building a large customer base that comes to you again and again. What sounds better than that!
Lowers IT Costs
Finally, another common cost that companies have to deal with is IT help. This is especially true when customers end up having trouble logging on to their profiles and accessing important company information. With multi-factor authentication, employees are much less likely to lose the ability to access such information, thus making the need for it much less as well. This makes life easier for everyone in the company and reduces the need for IT staff.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this quick breakdown has helped educate you about the many benefits of this type of security system. Though changes to the way that you do business may sometimes seem like more trouble than they are worth, there is no doubt that adding multi-factor authentication to your security can keep your employees and clients safe.
As you can see, there are many important reasons why multi-factor authentication is useful. Now all you have to do is find out which authentication program works best for your company and your employees’ needs.
