Why enabling Two Step Verification is important?

Data breaches have become a regular part of life today - but not just for the big brands and corporates. The risk is as great for SMEs thanks to the vast treasure trove of data that lies within each enterprise. Security measures are vital for ensuring that your network and systems are protected - enabling two-factor authentication is especially important, as it’s one of the best ways to protect your business. So, why does it matter?

It’s not enough just to rely on your passwords

Did you know that 90% of passwords can be cracked in less than six hours? Most of us have improved the way we use passwords today, but there is still a lot of vulnerability. The tendency to assume that a breach or attack simply won’t happen to us (until it does) is why we do things like not changing our passwords even after a phishing attack or using the same password for every single account (this is something around two thirds of people do). 2 Step Verification provides an additional layer of security on top of passwords - to ensure that only those who are meant to have access to an account can do so.

How does 2 Step Verification work?

A user will enter the usual username and password information but this is also supplemented with an extra layer of security. That could be a biometric indicator like a fingerprint or facial recognition - or it could be a code that has been sent by SMS to your phone. The idea behind 2 Step Verification is that, if one layer of security is compromised the other will still remain in place. This can provide protection against intentional attack but also something like a lost device or password.

Only 4/10 people use 2 Step Verification

The risks of a security or data breach are too often ignored until it’s too late, which is why so few people have implemented 2 Step Verification. This makes many systems an easy target for attackers who only need the slightest vulnerability in order to gain access. According to the experts it’s often due to a lack of awareness that we don’t implement something like 2 Step Verification. The superior protection is so simple to use, free and significantly reduces the risk so it simply doesn’t make sense not to use it.

The best options for 2 Step Verification?

There are a range of different options when it comes to 2 Step Verification, from a OTP (One Time Password) to facial recognition or touch ID. While they all differ in terms of the level of protection they provide, even those that offer the lowest protection are still an upgrade on passwords alone. 

2 Step Verification is such a simple way to protect your business today - and all your individual accounts too - that it simply doesn’t make sense not to use it. Choose whatever option is likely to work best for you for an instant security upgrade.

LondonCRC will be providing step-by-step guides on our socials as well as guides to our members in the Community Members’ Hub. You can sign up to become part of the Members’ Hub here.