Small Business Cybersecurity Warning: Hackers Can Get into Your Account as You Sleep!

Here is how they do it

and what your small business’ cybersecurity team can do to combat them

Multi-factor authentication or (MFA) is a system that verifies your identity in two or more ways. This is done as an extra layer of security for your apps and accounts. Needless to say, it is an essential tool you must have in your small business’ cybersecurity efforts. This will keep your personal and business’ data secure. 

An example of this is when you are asked for a code sent to your mobile number when trying to log into your personal or business emails. Entering the correct code in the text would then allow you to access your account. The constant and multiple alerts can be irritating and overwhelming though. Given this, it is only natural to be frustrated with these notifications.  

MFA Fatigue

Unfortunately, cyber criminals know this all too well. As such, they take advantage of this “MFA fatigue” as a means to get your sensitive personal and business data. Attackers usually plan their attack during your or your employee’s vulnerable times. Most likely to be in the middle of the night, after a long and tiring day in the field or office. With the stream of notification, a tired employee would just authenticate whatever login attempt just to get the notifications to stop and he can continue to rest. And just like that, hackers get access to everything you have in that account.  

The good news is, there is now a new weapon that you can use to fight against this MFA fatigue. Presenting the Microsoft Authenticator.

Small business cybersecurity

What is Microsoft Authenticator? 

Microsoft Authenticator is an app that introduced the number matching system to make sure that your MFA notification comes from the correct login attempt. This safeguards your account better against cyber criminals that use MFA notification fatigue to their advantage. 

Here is how it works. As soon as you get an MFA notification, the app will show a randomly generated number. Forced to think despite being too tired or half-asleep, you then input this number to authenticate the login. Hence, proving that the access to your business data is valid and is not an attack.  

In addition to the number matching system, Microsoft Authenticator also has biometric authentication. This uses your face, fingerprint or other unique physical feature as proof of identity during login. This makes it more difficult to take advantage of the MFA fatigue.  

Having these security measures, you get a few steps ahead of cyber attackers thereby securing your business data. Once you have the Microsoft Authenticator, you can already use the number matching system. However, it is important to ensure that the app is updated for better protection. 

Not sure if you have the correct security app in place? Or maybe you are using another MFA system but are looking for a way to improve your current one? We can help.

Get in touch with us today!

Beef up on your small business’ cybersecurity