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What is a multi factor authentication (MFA) application
Many organizations have started understanding the benefits of allowing employees to work remotely. The change of scenery and environment that remote working brings to employees allows them to become more productive and effectively use their working hours.
To make working remotely for employees and managers, many companies have started using online platforms to manage their operations, communicate with colleagues and customers, or store data in cloud spaces. Even though using these platforms has made working remotely easier, it has increased the chances of getting hacked by third parties and losing data to the public.
To avoid these problems, companies have started using multi-factor authentication (MFA) providers to add extra layers of security to their accounts. So, whenever remote workers connect to a public network, it is best to connect their devices to a virtual private network (VPN) like Barracuda to ensure a secure network connection. Hence, when a Barracuda VPN MFA is connected to the VPN account, employees will be ensured that not only is their network secure, but also their VPN account will not be hijacked by cyber-attackers.
How Barracuda MFA can tighten up a business’s data security
Using a VPN connection when connected to a public network is essential to ensure that others will not get access to a company account. However, most VPN accounts are protected with a single password which is not enough to keep hackers from accessing data and leaking it to the public.
So, securing a Barracuda account with an MFA provider is one of the most effective ways of securing those hackers who will not have access to a device and leak information that could cause damage to a company’s reputation.
What can happen if company data is not secure enough
As mentioned above, not having enough layers of protection to an account could cause a negative backlash to a brand. So, whenever company accounts are not secure enough, they become an easy target for hackers by spyware or ransomware; they will be able to access all of the data stored in a device.
Thus, to avoid these obstacles, it is better to secure company accounts as early as possible.
Here are four steps to install and connect an MFA provider to company accounts.
4 steps to follow to add the additional layers of security with an MFA application
1. Find a reliable multi factor authentication (MFA) provider
First and foremost, the most important step is finding a reliable multi factor authentication provider. The demand for MFA applications has started to increase, which has also increased the number of MFA applications available in the market.
So, it is wise to ensure that a company’s MFA application is reliable since installing an unreliable one could backfire and cause an organization to lose its data easily during the setting up process.
2. Create an admin account with the company name
After deciding which application an organization is going to use, it is time to create a company admin account. The company admin account is the most important account within an MFA application, as it has the ability to give access to employees to use company files.
For some MFA applications, users are required to fill out an application form for the admin account. Once the MFA providers review the application, they will have access to add extra layers of security to their accounts.
3. Give employees access to the domain account to use the company MFA
Once the domain (admin) account is created, those with access to the admin account should provide access to every company account to use the company MFA application.
4. Ask employees to set up their accounts and pick the most appropriate MFA option
After access is given to employees, employees should set up their accounts and connect them to the MFA application.
During the setting up process, each employee will be given numerous authentication options, including face recognition, push notifications, fingerprint scans, etc. So, each employee should choose their preferred option and finish setting up their process.
Conclusion
To conclude, having additional layers of security on online platforms is important for businesses, especially nowadays, where people have a lot of knowledge of accessing and hacking accounts.
Thus, connecting an MFA provider to company accounts should be a priority for businesses to ensure employees use secure networks.