How Businesses Can Strengthen Their Cyber security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The Cost of Weak Password Security
A global consulting firm recently suffered a data breach after an employee’s credentials were stolen. The attacker gained access to the employee’s Microsoft 365 account using a password found in a previous data leak.
Once inside, the cybercriminal sent fraudulent emails, exfiltrated sensitive data, and installed malware on the company’s cloud environment—all without triggering any security alarms.
The firm had strong firewalls, endpoint security, and encryption, but one missing security layer left them vulnerable: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
This attack could have been easily prevented if the firm had enforced MFA, an essential security measure that blocks 99.9% of account compromise attempts.
What is Multi-Factor
Authentication (MFA)?
MFA requires multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account. Instead of relying solely on a password, users must provide at least two of the following factors:
- Something You Know – A password or PIN.
- Something You Have – A mobile device, security key, or authentication app.
- Something You Are – Biometric verification (fingerprint, facial recognition).
Even if an attacker steals a password, they won’t be able to access the account without the additional factor.
Why Businesses Need
MFA Now More Than Ever
Cybercriminals using sophisticated AI attacks exploit weak passwords and login credentials to gain unauthorised access to business accounts. MFA significantly reduces these risks by ensuring only verified users can access sensitive data.
1
Protects Against Phishing & Credential Theft
Employees often fall victim to phishing attacks that trick them into revealing passwords. MFA prevents stolen credentials from being used to access business systems.
Solution:
- Enforce MFA across all business accounts, especially Microsoft 365 and financial systems.
- Use phishing-resistant authentication methods like security keys or biometric verification.
- Deploy Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to detect and block phishing attempts.
2
Reduces the Impact of Data Breaches
If a cybercriminal obtains an employee’s credentials from a dark web leak, they can’t use them without the additional authentication factor.
Solution:
- Require passwordless authentication for high-privilege accounts.
- Enable Microsoft Entra ID Identity Protection to detect and block risky login attempts.
- Monitor compromised credentials using dark web monitoring tools
3
Enhances Security for Remote & Hybrid Workforces
With employees accessing business systems from multiple locations and devices, MFA ensures that only verified users can connect to sensitive data.
Solution:
- Implement Conditional Access policies to enforce MFA based on location, device, and risk level.
- Require Microsoft Authenticator app or FIDO2 security keys for remote logins.
- Restrict access to trusted devices and managed endpoints only.
How to Set Up MFA
for Microsoft 365
- Step 1: Enable MFA in Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
Configure MFA settings for all users. - Step 2: Choose Authentication Methods
Require Microsoft Authenticator, SMS codes, or security keys. - Step 3: Enforce MFA for All Users
Ensure all employees must verify their identity at login. - Step 4: Implement Conditional Access
Require MFA only in high-risk login scenarios. - Step 5: Monitor & Audit MFA Usage
Track login attempts and identify any unauthorised access attempts
Best Practices for
Implementing MFA in Businesses
- Use Adaptive MFA Policies
Require MFA only for high-risk activities instead of every login. - Train Employees on MFA Usage
Educate staff on how to set up and use authentication apps. - Regularly Review MFA Security Logs
Identify suspicious login attempts and block unauthorised access. - Enforce MFA on Third-Party Integrations
Secure external apps connected to Microsoft 365. - Enable Passwordless Authentication
Use biometrics, hardware security keys, or mobile authentication instead of passwords.
Conclusion: MFA is the Easiest
Way to Prevent Account Breaches
Without MFA, stolen passwords can easily lead to full-scale cyberattacks. Businesses must enforce multi-factor authentication across all accounts, ensuring cybercriminals can’t access sensitive systems, even if credentials are compromised
Want to implement MFA for your business?
Contact Solid Systems today for expert authentication solutions!
