Two-factor authentication is like a fence. It works really well when it’s used correctly.
We put fences around our yards to keep our beloved pets in and intruders out. If you leave one area open, there’s a 100-percent chance your dog will find that section and escape. Likewise, an ambitious intruder will always find that gap.
The same is true of two-factor authentication (2FA).
We’ve set countless law firm clients up with 2FA to secure their important data against breaches. Nevertheless, at many of those firms, a handful of attorneys will request to be bypassed by 2FA because they do not want the inconvenience of providing two forms of authentication to log into their systems.
It’s like leaving a section out of your fence.
Why would you invest in a fence but leave a whole section missing? Why would your firm invest in 2FA but leave a hole for a potential data breach or cyberattack? The chances are great that those individuals who are using a 2FA bypass will be the hole in your firm’s defenses against cyber criminals.
2FA confirms users with two different forms of identification, usually an email address and proof of ownership via a mobile phone or fingerprint. Used in conjunction with username/password verification, 2FA bolsters security by making it more difficult for intruders to gain unauthorized access, even if a perpetrator gets past the first authentication step. And while 2FA isn’t foolproof, it will always be better than leaving a gaping hole in your defenses.
Securing the data of both your firm and that of its clients shouldn’t be viewed as an inconvenience, it’s an absolute necessity.
If you need help making sure 2FA is active across all your employees, contact us at 1-800-541-0450 or email [email protected].
