CISA Launches Campaign to Build MFA Awareness in May
Multi-factor authentication (MFA), helps users protect accounts that include personal information you do not want anyone to access without permission. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) wants everyone to be aware of what MFA is and how it can help protect your personal information. They have deemed May “Walk This Way to Enable MFA.”
What is MFA?
MFA allows you to set up an extra layer of protection on accounts that contain personal information, like your bank, business, or other accounts. Hackers who want to steal personal information have sophisticated software that can discover your password more easily than in the past. Even a secure password can be hacked if given enough time.
Multi-factor authentication works using a third-party app that generates a random code and sends it to your phone or email. You must successfully enter the code into the login screen to gain access to your account, and most of these temporary codes expire after a certain amount of time. You must have access to the device to gain access to your account.
For instance, you might have a code sent to your phone. If the hacker does not have access to your phone to receive the code, they will not be able to access your account. Many types of information can be used for MFA, such as a code, a physical object, certain knowledge only known by the user, or information such as a GPS location or network connection ID. MFA can also use biometrics, such as voice, fingerprints, facial structure, or iris recognition.
Walk This Way to Enable MFA
MFA is like placing a deadbolt lock on your door, rather than having a single lock. Some determined hackers will be able to get in regardless of the security measures that you have in place, but MFA will deter most who are looking for an easy target, which is why the CISA feels this campaign is so important. Many people are not aware of MFA and how it can help protect accounts.
One of the key concerns is that people see MFA as a hassle when accessing accounts. It is one extra step and takes time, but it is essential when it comes to keeping your personal information safe. It might mean extra effort when accessing your account, but it is much less effort than dealing with identity theft or a hacked account.
The CISA wants everyone to know the importance of MFA and how easy it is to set up. According to the agency, MFA makes you 99% less likely to get hacked than accounts that do not have MFA enabled. The CISA is encouraging everyone to participate by spreading awareness of MFA and following them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. They also want to hear how you are protecting your personal and business devices using the hashtag #EnableMFA! and challenge your friends, family members, and coworkers to do the same.
MFA May is an excellent time to make sure your devices are protected, and it is also an excellent time to do a cybersecurity audit to make sure your business and accounts are as safe as possible. Perspective Omni Media provides solutions to help you keep your system safe, but some steps are still up to you. MFA is essential for keeping your personal information safe. We can help you develop a strategy for developing a culture of cybersecurity where everyone knows the importance of MFA and other steps they can take to prevent a security breach. Contact us, and we can help you develop a cybersecurity system that is right for your business.