Is MFA Really That Important? (Short Answer: Yes, Absolutely)
You’ve probably seen us mention Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in just about every security blog we write, and for good reason. It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect your business. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually set it up or why it matters so much, this post is for you.
Let’s start with a not-so-fun fact: 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Most of those attacks happen because of weak or stolen passwords. That means even a strong password might not be enough anymore.
Enter MFA. It adds a second or even third step to the login process, making it much harder for someone to sneak in, even if they already know your password.
In many of our other blog posts, we suggest MFA as a quick win to boost your security. This one goes deeper and walks you through how it works and how to put it in place for your business.
Why MFA Matters for Small Businesses
Small businesses often think they’re too small to be targeted. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t share that opinion. One stolen password can expose sensitive data, open the door to fraud, or disrupt your operations completely.
MFA helps shut that door. It requires more than just a password, adding extra verification through something you have or something you are. That one extra step makes it much harder for someone to break in.
What Is MFA, Exactly?
Multi-Factor Authentication requires more than one form of identification to access an account. It typically involves two of the following:
Something You Know
This is your password or PIN. It’s the most common form of authentication, but also the most vulnerable to phishing, guessing, and brute-force attacks.
Something You Have
This could be a phone that receives a text message code, a hardware token that generates time-based codes, or an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. If a hacker has your password, they’d still need physical access to this second factor.
Something You Are
This is biometric data, like a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice pattern. Since it’s unique to you, it’s extremely difficult to fake.
By requiring a second or third factor, MFA makes it exponentially harder for someone to gain unauthorized access.
Getting Started with MFA at Your Business
Setting up MFA is easier than you might think. Here’s how to begin.
Step 1: Review Your Current Setup
Start with the most sensitive parts of your business:
- Email platforms
- Cloud storage (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
- Financial accounts
- Remote access tools
- Customer databases
Identify where MFA is most urgently needed and work outward from there.
Step 2: Choose Your MFA Tool
Some great options for small businesses include:
- Google Authenticator – A free app that generates time-based codes
- Duo Security – Offers both cloud and on-premises options
- Okta – Scales well with larger systems but supports smaller teams too
- Authy – Allows cloud backups and syncing across devices
Look for a solution that fits your needs and is simple for your team to use.
Step 3: Roll It Out
Enable MFA for your core systems first. Make it mandatory across the board, especially for remote access. Provide your team with training and documentation, and make sure support is available for anyone who needs a little help.
Keep MFA Updated
Security isn’t something you set once and forget. MFA should be checked and updated regularly.
- Adopt stronger authentication methods as technology evolves
- Review which systems and users still need protection
- Quickly reset MFA when employees lose access to their devices
Good security is responsive, not rigid.
Test and Tweak as Needed
Once you’ve implemented MFA, test it. Make sure it’s working smoothly and isn’t causing unnecessary friction for your team. If it's too frustrating, people will find workarounds, which defeats the purpose.
Common Roadblocks and How to Handle Them
Every change has its challenges. Here are a few common ones and how to address them.
Employee Pushback
Some folks won’t love the idea of more steps to log in. Help them understand how MFA protects their accounts, their work, and the business. A little guidance goes a long way.
Compatibility Issues
Some systems won’t support MFA out of the box. Choose tools with good integrations or ask your IT provider (that's us) to help set up a workaround.
Budget Limitations
Start small with free options like Google Authenticator. Many businesses only need basic tools to start, and you can upgrade later if needed.
Lost Devices
Phones and tokens go missing. Make sure your MFA system allows for backup codes or has a way to reset access quickly.
MFA is a Game-Changer
If you’re serious about keeping your business safe, MFA is a no-brainer. It’s one of the best ways to stop common attacks like phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force logins.
Start with your most critical systems. Pick a tool that works for your team. Roll it out with clear communication and ongoing support.
If you're not sure which MFA solution fits your setup, or if you want help putting one in place, we’re here for that. At Layer 2 Computers, we help small businesses take smart, manageable steps to better security.
Want help locking down your logins? Let’s talk.
Reach out and we’ll help you get MFA set up the right way.
