Top Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Solutions For Business

Cyber threats and attacks are on the rise and with continuous advancements in technology, these online threats are also getting technically sophisticated. Hence, it is important to be extra cautious and deploy advanced security measures. Businesses of all sizes in the UK are recognising the importance of adopting and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for cyber security compliance and data protection. This blog outlines what is multi-factor authentication, how it works, its types, the benefits of using it, and the top 10 MFA solutions for businesses in the UK recommended by Tristar Tech Solutions, one of the best IT service providers in the UK.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and How Does it Work?

Multi-factor authentication is an advanced security measure that requires users to provide more than one type of evidence to prove or verify their identity before it allows access to a system, an application or certain other resources. It helps safeguard systems and sensitive and confidential information by blocking unauthorised access thereby reducing the risk of cyber attacks or threats.

Importance of MFA in Securing Business Accounts and Sensitive Data

Multi-factor authentication is necessary for all types of businesses regardless of their nature and size of business operations due to the following reasons:

• It protects sensitive and confidential business information from getting leaked or accessed by unauthorized users.
• It significantly reduces the risk of phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks.
• Helps in being compliant with the UK regulatory requirements.
• Enhances security especially when employees work from remote locations or in hybrid environments.

Difference between Two-factor authentication (2FA) and Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Many people confuse two-factor authentication (2FA) with Multi-factor authentication (MFA). While 2FA asks for two factors like a password or a PIN, the multi-factor authentication may require more than two factors for authenticating access. MFA allows the addition of multiple layers of security or authentication such as passwords, security keys, biometrics, etc

Types of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication can be classified under different categories depending upon the type of verification it requires to verify a user’s identity:

• Knowledge-based Authentication: This MFA type basically relies on something that you possess knowledge of like a password, PIN or answer to a security question (like your favourite colour, your high school class teacher, your favourite travel destination, etc.)

• Possession-based Authentication: This type of authentication relies on a factor that involves something you have or possess like a device. This device can be a smartphone, physical security key, or even a smart card.

• Inherence-based Authentication: This type of authentication is done using biometric factors such as your fingerprint, facial features recognition, voice recognition, iris or retina scan, etc.

• Location-based Authentication: This type of authentication factors the user’s geographic location while allowing access. For instance, employees are allowed to access system data and certain other resources only from a specific location or using the company’s secured Wi-Fi network.

Benefits of Using MFA for UK Businesses

There are numerous benefits of using Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA solutions for businesses. These benefits include:

• Enhanced Security: Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection and security against cyber attacks and threats like phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks.
• Industry Compliance: There are multiple compliances that businesses need to comply with including GDPR and other UK data protection laws. Deploying multi-factor authentication in businesses helps in staying compliant with these industry regulations.
• Better Controls: It is important that employees have controlled authorisation, especially when they are working in remote or hybrid settings Multi-factor authentication helps in maintaining controls and improves secured accesses.
• Reduced Breaches: Multi-factor authentication of MFA helps in reducing IT security breaches and unauthorized access risks. It helps in safeguarding sensitive and confidential business information and data.

Top 10 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Solutions for Businesses in the UK

1. Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft authenticator is a multi-factor authentication that can be used for multiple accounts.

• Features: Its features include push notifications, biometric authentication (using fingerprints, facial recognition, voice verification, etc.), easy to deploy and seamless integration with Microsoft 365.
• Best for: Microsoft Authenticator is best for those businesses which are using Microsoft environments for their normal business operations.

2. Google Authenticator

Google authenticator is an MFA solution that helps secure accounts by requiring additional steps of verification in addition to the account password whenever you log in to a new device.

• Features: It generates One-time pass codes (six to eight-digit codes), an easy-to-use mobile application where users can manage  2FA for various services within one app and supports multiple accounts.
• Best for: Since it is cost-friendly, it is best for SMEs and startups.

3. Duo Security (by Cisco)

Duo Security by Cisco offers powerful authentication methods and maintains strong security.

• Features: Push notifications, multiple authentication methods (like biometric authentication, tokens and passcodes, like Duo Push, Web Authn, etc.), Cloud-based, device trust policies, adaptive authentication based on user behaviour, location, and device health.
• Best for: It is best for enterprises working with employees at remote locations.

4. Okta MFA

Okta secures access to applications and data across various environments. It includes on-premises, cloud and even mobile environments of operations.

• Features: Context-aware authentication (using user and device context), SSO integration, support for multiple factors of authentication (one-time passwords, biometrics, SMS, voice, email, and physical tokens) and security analytics.
• Best for: Best suited for large organizations and cloud-based businesses.

5. RSA SecurID

It is an enterprise-focused MFA for on-premises deployment. It includes a comprehensive management console and hardware and software authenticators.

• Features: It requires hardware and physical tokens, biometric authentication, and enterprise-level security, also supports cloud protocols including OTPs and password less authentication.
• Best for: Recommended for highly regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal).

6. LastPass MFA

LastPass is an MFA that offers robust security solutions for online accounts, applications, and resources.

• Features: It offers multiple authentication methods including passwordless login, contextual authentication, mobile push notifications, hardware tokens, offers a user-friendly dashboard. It also offers adaptive authentication that combines multiple factors to verify a user's identity based on the context of the login attempt.
• Best for: LastPass is best for businesses looking for a cost-effective MFA solution.

7. YubiKey (by Yubico)

YubiKey is a flexible and convenient MFA business solution.

• Features: Supports multiple factors like hardware-based authentication, pass keys, and phishing-resistant security keys, robust integration with HR, IT, and Finance tools, etc.
• Best for: It is best suited for high-security environments.

8. OneLogin Protect

OneLogin Protect is a strong multi-factor authentication method for businesses.

• Features: OTP-based authentication, mobile push notifications, and biometric security (like fingerprint, eye iris, or voice pattern)
• Best for: OneLogin Protect is best suited for those enterprises which are seeking cloud-based security solutions.

9. Authy (by Twilio)

Authy is a user-friendly and secured MFA solution to protect online accounts from unauthorized access

• Features: Multi-device support, encrypted backups, and easy 2FA setup for capturing 2FA QR codes from popular services like Facebook, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Dropbox.
• Best for: Best suited for businesses looking for a user-friendly mobile authentication solution.

10. HID Approve

HID Approve is a popular MFA business solution.

• Features: Offers mobile push authentication, public key cryptography, and biometric verification (like fingerprints, facial and voice recognition, etc.)
• Best for: Best-suited for organizations needing highly secure, regulatory-compliant authentication.

Choosing the Right MFA Solution for Your Business

It is important to choose the right MFA solutions for your business that align with your business's requirements. Here are some of the major factors that should be considered when choosing the right MFA solution for your business:

• Industry Compliance: Always ensure that the MFA solution you’re choosing for your business fulfils the industry compliance requirements like GDPR, Cyber Essentials, etc.
• Seamless Integration:  Choose the MFA solution that can integrate seamlessly with your business’s existing IT infrastructure.
• User-friendliness: The MFA solution should be user-friendly and easy to deploy. Complex MFA solutions are difficult to understand and deploy within the business’s system.
• Cost and scalability: Cost is a major factor when it comes to selecting a MFA solution for your business. It should align with your budget and at the same time, should be scalable to adjust with the change in size of the business operations.

How Tristar Tech Solutions Can Help

Tristar Tech Solutions provides end-to-end solutions for your business’s security and protection from cyber threats and attacks. Our managed IT support services include:

• MFA Consultation & Implementation: Helping businesses choose the best MFA solutions for businesses depending on multiple factors like the size of business operations, existing IT infrastructure, levels of authorisations, etc.
• Cybersecurity Services: Comprehensive IT security solutions for UK businesses covering all aspects of security.
• Managed IT Support: Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and threat detection. This proactive approach helps in the timely detection of any threats and initiating immediate response.
• Cloud Security & Data Protection: Ensuring safe access to business-critical applications and managing authorisations depending upon the assigned roles.

Why Choose Tristar Tech Solutions?

Tristar Tech Solutions is the perfect managed service provider you are looking for your business in the UK. You should choose Tristar Tech for MFA solutions for businesses because:

• Tritstar is the most trusted UK-based IT security provider.
• Our team comprises certified experts in cybersecurity and compliance.
• We also offer customised MFA solutions for businesses of all sizes depending upon the business requirements.

Conclusion

When cyber threats and attacks are on continuous rise, it is important to implement strategies that curb vulnerabilities and enhance security and ensure compliance as well. As already explained, MFA adds an extra layer of security and protection and safeguards your systems and confidential and sensitive business information. It is recommended to partner with a reliable managed service provider like Tristar Tech Solutions that can suggest and implement the best MFA solutions for businesses in the UK. Contact Tristar Tech Solutions today for expert IT security and MFA implementation.

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Also Read:

• The Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT Support for SMEs
• IT Maintenance: What is it and Why is it Important
• 10 Essential IT Support Services Every Business Needs On An Ongoing Basis
• 10 Reasons to Use Professional IT Support Services for Small Businesses!
• What is Proactive IT Support and How Can It Help Your Business?
• Types of Businesses That Require IT Services
• What is the Cloud and How Can It Help?

FAQs Section

Ques: Is MFA required for businesses in the UK?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is not currently mandatory for businesses in the UK. However, the National Cyber Security Centre strongly recommends MFA for all organisations.

Ques: Which MFA solution is best for small businesses?

There are many MFA solutions available for small businesses including Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, Okta, Authy etc.

Ques: Can MFA be integrated with existing IT systems?

Yes, multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be integrated with most of the existing IT systems.

Ques: How can MFA improve remote work security?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security and protection. In addition to the password, it requires another form of verification like a code or a security question.

Ques: How can Tristar Tech Solutions help my business with MFA implementation?

Tristar Tech Solutions can help your business choose the best-suited MFA option and provide comprehensive IT security solutions.