Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses? We most often hear about data breaches at large corporations but now it's much more common for smaller businesses to be hacked. Hackers target small businesses because those businesses don't have the same data security measures as large corporations.
It can be tough for small businesses without the knowledge and budget to have updated data security. But one way small businesses can boost their data security is to use two factor authentication.
How can two factor authentication help your business? Read on to learn about the benefits of two factor authentication.
What Is Two Factor Authentication?
Two Factor Authentication is a security system that requires users to have two forms of identification to access an account or other information. You will often see it shorthanded to 2FA.
Although it's associated with online accounts 2FA is often used offline as well. For example when you use your credit card at the gas pump it asks you to put in your zip code. That is a form of two factor authentication.
How Does 2FA Work?
Two factor authentication requires you to verify your identity to access an account by putting in two forms of ID. These forms of ID can vary. In general 2FA requires two items from three general categories.
The first category involves something you know like the password to your account. The second category requires something you have such as a smartphone or email. The last category uses something you are like a fingerprint or face scan.
Therefore those trying to access your information need identification that is hard to access. As a result your account is better protected.
Benefits of Two Factor Authentication
Now that you understand what two factor authentication is and how it works how can it help your business? Here are just a couple of benefits of 2FA.
Increased Data Security
One of the largest benefits of 2FA is that it makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your business's data. Requiring these other forms of identification provides an extra level of protection over passwords.
Passwords can be stolen when large data companies are hacked or through phishing scams. Phishing scams trick you into giving out your account information like your password. Then they save that information to access your account.
All employees must be careful about opening suspicious emails and links. Otherwise your business's data could be compromised. With 2FA if your password gets stolen hackers still need more information to access your account.
Builds Credibility and Trust With Your Customers
When customers hear about a data hack it damages their opinion of the business that got hacked. This hurts the business's reputation and sales.
Most customers won't mind inputting a bit more information to verify their identity. It gives them peace of mind that their data is secure. So when customers know your business is taking care of their data they are more likely to trust your business and be loyal in the future.
Increased Productivity
In today's work environment more and more employees are working from home. Remote work poses its own data security challenges businesses must overcome.
With two factor authentication employees must verify their identity to access their work. This verification makes it clear that an employee is accessing information and not a hacker.
Working from home is shown to boost employee's job satisfaction and productivity. With two factor authentication employees won't have to worry about compromising business data as they go.
Upgrade Your Cyber Security
Two factor authentication isn't a perfect solution to preventing data security breaches. Hackers are constantly adapting and finding ways around security measures. But two factor authentication is a simple and effective way any business can protect themselves and their customer's information.
Need help closing cybersecurity gaps? At Alura we make cybersecurity our top priority. Contact us today for managed IT services and get your data security up to date.
Our technological expertise and extensive experience allow us to work with virtually any system enabling you to meet your specific goals and objectives–no matter how complex they may be. We pride ourselves on offering sophisticated solutions that other smaller IT firms simply cannot offer outfitting your company with a reliable support system as your needs expand and evolve. Alura Business Solutions provide services including but not limited to: Carrier Solutions Bandwidth Solutions Phone Solutions Wiring Solutions Client Access IT Solutions
