Multi-FactorVerse

Login credentials. Photos of your kids. SSNs, DOBs, addresses, medical records, credit card details, etc.

Most of us can agree that these are all things we don't want to share with strangers - or hackers. Some hackers phish for these juicy details every day - while others easily take them unbeknownst to us. And the culprits? Ignorance and Apathy.

Setting weak passwords like 'joseph1' or 'fall2022'. Re-using weak passwords and perpetually staying logged in to browsers and apps. Ignoring security notifications to change passwords. And worse? Not taking advantage of multi-factor authentication.

What is Multi-factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA, also referred to as two-factor authentication) provides an additional layer of security for many services and websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, GoDaddy, Wix). You're further shielding your precious personal info by enabling MFA - even if your password is a lengthy, complex assortment of characters.

Typically MFAs are randomly generated codes sent via SMS (text) or created within a mobile app. Don't feel like adding another code? Some MFAs like Google Authenticator and Duo allow for push notifications instead (i.e., you receive an alert on your mobile device with an option to approve or deny access to the account).

And the best part? Even if a hacker gets your password, they won't be able to access your account or data because odds are they won't have access to your mobile device.

For example, you receive an MFA prompt on your mobile device to confirm your Facebook login, but you didn't log in. Select deny in your MFA app (and change your password - don't forget this crucial step!).

Don't have a mobile device? Or don't think you're tech-savvy enough to use it for MFA? Don't worry - most services include a phone call option to bypass the need for SMS or push notifications. Regardless of your MFA method, you'll be living more securely in the Multi-Factorverse.

How Can MFA Help My Business?

While Fronza Media proudly manages our clients' domain and web hosting security, many of our patrons control and maintain access to their business email accounts, social media profiles, CRMs, and other tools. In these cases, we always recommend small business owners use MFA for any service, especially the following:

• Wix (prevents hackers from accessing, editing, or removing your website(s))

• GoDaddy (prevents hackers from unlocking and seizing domains, changing DNS settings, etc.)

• Gmail (prevents hackers from accessing and manipulating your emails, contacts, calendar, etc.)

• Facebook (prevents hackers from accessing, using, or mimicking your profile, pics, etc.)

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Recommended Resources

Do yourself a favor and get educated on multi-factor (aka two-factor) authentication! We recommend you familiarize yourself with some of the following multi-factorverse examples, terms, options, and resources.

• Multi-factor Authentication Wiki (Wikipedia)

• Two-Factor Authentication Statistics: A Good Password is Not Enough (Article by DataProt)

• The state of MFA: 4 trends that portend the end of the solo password (Article by TechBeacon)

MFA Applications and Services

Below are recommended multi-factor options for your mobile and desktop and password security apps:

• Chrome Authenticator (MFA service for the Chrome web browser)

• Facebook Authenticator (MFA service for Facebook users) *

• Microsoft Authenticator (MFA service for PC users)

• Keeper Security (secure password storage service) *

• Last Pass (MFA service for any computer with secure password storage)

Questions?

Please email me at tony@fronzamedia.com to see how Fronza Media can help you secure your online profile.