When it comes to IT security, multi-factor authentication is an integral component to increasing the defense of your network and infrastructure. Two factor authentication (2FA), also known as dual factor authentication (DFA), is a form of multi-factor authentication that has specific information requirements to verify that users are who they claim to be. 2FA/DFA methods provide stronger protection than conventional username and password credentials.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Applied Cybersecurity Division, the different types of dual factor authentication include:
When implementing two factor authentication, there are some things that you should consider when evaluating these identity verification solutions for your firm include:
When you are choosing between different 2FA solutions, some of the things to evaluate regarding the quality of the service include:
In today’s increasingly digital world, two factor authentication needs to be an additional layer of security for your organization or business. This form of identity verification can be used to protect any applications, email, websites, network access, and other virtual portals that are utilized by your employees, partners, and others who require authorized access.
When evaluating different dual factor authentication methods, something to consider includes how the solution will fit with your overarching organizational goals. Will it help to improve your organization’s cybersecurity compliance efforts? Will implementing two factor authentication enhance or detract from your existing cybersecurity initiatives? And, will it make your clients and partners feel more secure and confident in the security of your organization and its ability to protect their data?
When you’ve decided on a particular two factor authentication solution, you’ll then need to implement it. However, part of this integration requires planning and follow-through to help it remain effective against cyber attacks. This process includes:
From the standpoint of a Chief Financial Officer or another leader who has to keep the company’s budget in mind, you’ll need to evaluate and weigh the costs and value that each of the authentication solutions offer. You’ll also need to determine how long it will be before your organization sees a return on investment (ROI). This means looking at the up-front costs and long-term costs, as well as identifying any hidden fees.
While implementing two factor authentication is important, it shouldn’t be your only method of defense. To determine precisely what protections you have in place, it’s essential to conduct a network health assessment. This assessment, in combination with a network penetration test, will help you to see where your organization stands concerning its existing cybersecurity protections and overall network so that you can address any gaps.
See how your organization’s security measures up with our free Cybersecurity Report Card. The brief scorecard can help you to evaluate the effectiveness and condition of your existing security processes, procedures, and policies.