As users are becoming more aware of the importance of online security, the demand for multi-factor authentication is also increasing. It is a simple and effective security measure that helps protect users’ personal information and sensitive data.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to safeguard your company’s sensitive data or an individual concerned about your personal information, implementing multi-factor authentication will keep your accounts secure – and with Microsoft 365, you can take it one step further by managing the strength of your multi-factor authentication settings.
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to provide two or more authentication factors to verify their identity before granting them access to their account. This process adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information. MFA typically involves something the user knows, such as a password or PIN, combined with something the user has, such as a smartphone or token, and/or something the user is, such as a biometric factor like a fingerprint or facial recognition.
Microsoft claims that MFA can help prevent 99.9% of account attacks. For even more secure protection, advanced MFA settings can be implemented to further strengthen security posture. Essentially, MFA is a highly effective way to safeguard data from unauthorised access by making it extremely difficult for malicious actors to break into Microsoft 365 accounts, even with a user’s credentials.
How to set up MFA in Microsoft 365
With Microsoft 365, users have the flexibility to use one of three different methods: verification codes, phone calls, or the Microsoft Authenticator app to access MFA. Moreover, there are three options available for admins to set up MFA in Microsoft 365, such as security defaults, conditional access, and legacy per user.
With these multiple options, users can choose what suits them best while admins can opt for any of the three options to ensure a secure environment.
How to configure MFA strengths in Microsoft 365
After setting up multi-factor authentication, it’s important to manage the strengths. Microsoft allows you to create up to 15 custom MFA strength options, so it’s crucial to plan out your groups and customisations beforehand. To create a custom MFA strength, simply follow these steps:
- Log in to the Azure portal.
- Go to Azure AD > Security > Authentication Methods > Authentication Strengths.
- Choose New Authentication Strength.
- Give your new policy a name and description.
- Select the MFA settings you want, such as certificate-based authentication and temporary access pass.
- Finally, save your selections before exiting.
Customise your Microsoft 365 security settings with expert assistance
One of the most important security features in Microsoft 365 is MFA, adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring users to provide two or more forms of authentication before accessing sensitive data. This way, even if cybercriminals steal your users’ credentials, they will still be unable to access the accounts without additional authentication.
However, setting up MFA can be a complex process, particularly if you have a large number of users. The Microsoft security specialists at Itopia will help you customise your MFA and security settings to ensure maximum protection for your data. We’ll work with you to identify your specific security needs and tailor the settings accordingly.
