Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security practice that requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access to a system, application, or service. For Appointedd this controls the access to your administration console where you can control and view your booking, services and customers. MFA for Appointedd consists of two parts:
Something you know: Your password.
Something you have: A secure token from a token app such as Google Authenticator. This will rotate every 30 seconds
Please note if you are using your organisation’s Single Sign On (SSO) this may differ and will be subject to your organisation’s security policy. By requiring multiple forms of identification, MFA adds an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for unauthorised users to gain access to your Appointedd account.
The growing threat landscape
The rise in cyber attacks, including phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks, has made it clear that relying solely on passwords is no longer sufficient. Passwords can be stolen, guessed, or compromised through data breaches. According to a report by Verizon, over 80% of hacking-related breaches involve compromised or weak passwords. This alarming statistic underscores the need for more robust security measures, such as MFA.
Key benefits of MFA for Appointedd users
1. Enhanced security: MFA provides a second (or even third) layer of security, significantly reducing the likelihood of unauthorised access. Even if a cybercriminal obtains your password, they would still need the second factor to breach your account.
2. Protection against phishing: MFA can mitigate the risks associated with phishing attacks. Even if you inadvertently provide your credentials to a phishing site, the attacker would still require the second factor to access your account.
3. Safeguarding personal and client information: With the increase in remote work and online services, protecting personal and client information has become more critical than ever. MFA ensures that your data, as well as your clients’ data, remains secure.
4. Boosting user confidence: Knowing that Appointedd uses MFA can increase your trust and confidence in our platform. Our commitment to security means you can focus on your business without worrying about data breaches.
How to set-up MFA on Appointedd
In order to use MFA for your Appointedd account, you’ll need to use an authenticator app to generate a one-time token. You can use any authenticator app that you’d like. If you don’t have one already, you can download one from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
A few examples of what team Appointedd likes to use:
– Authy
Once you have your chosen authenticator app downloaded to your mobile device, log into your Appointedd account by using your email and password, and follow the below steps:
1. Go to the profile icon in the top right corner
2. Select Edit login details from the drop-down list
3. Under Authentication methods, click Enable MFA
4. This will open a popover window with a QR code
5. Scan the QR code using your authenticator app on your mobile device
6. This will generate a 6 digit, temporary code
7. Enter this code where prompted for a verification code – be quick to ensure the code doesn’t expire
8. Hit Submit
Conclusion
In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) stands out as a critical defence mechanism. By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA significantly enhances the security of your Appointedd account, protects against a wide range of cyber attacks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Implementing MFA is not just a technical decision but a strategic one that demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. As cyber threats continue to grow, embracing MFA is a vital step towards a more secure digital future for your business and clients.
Published on 9 July 2024
