Every app or website we access these days requires some form of password. Behind this password there can be a multitude of personal information including our address, bank details and email accounts. This is why account security is a big concern for individuals, companies and employees.
All it would take is for someone to hack your Gmail account and in seconds they will have access to almost every aspect of your life. So how can you protect yourself and your business from such a threat?
In recent years there has been a significant rise in the use of two-factor authentication. Major social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have all introduced 2FA in an effort to increase user security and reduce the threat of cyber crime.
What is two-factor authentication?
In its most basic form two-factor authentication uses two layers of protection to ensure you’re the user you say you are. Most commonly it’s a combination of your password and a text to your mobile phone with a verification code. However, in some circumstances the second layer of protection could be something such as facial recognition or answering a security question.
The reason the use of codes to your mobile is so popular is because you are more than likely to be the only person with access to your phone. More importantly any platform that has access to your mobile phone number means you can be contacted immediately when there is an emergency, such as a security breach.
Why should your business be using two-factor authentication?
A government report published in 2018 stated that the cost of cyber crime to UK businesses between 2009 and 2014 was an estimated £5.1 million. It also stated that the average cost per malware infection to each individual business was £57,000.
So, with the amount of sensitive, financial and personal data that can be accessed through the systems we use every day it has never been more important to protect yourself and your business from a security breach.
Nearly every major platform now gives you the option to install or activate two-factor authentication. If you’re looking at ways to improve your businesses security online or have a website or app and you don’t know how well it would fair against a security threat, why not speak to our team of experts to find out how we can help.