Windows MFA: A Security Key for Your Connection

Nowadays, it is common for companies to offer their employees the chance to work from home or in a hybrid manner. However, many companies have a tendency to use office computers for their operations, and thus, all of the work data that employees need are stored in those computers. 

To make accessing files and documents easier for employees, a lot of companies have started to store their files online or depend on an internet connection to access files by using remote desktop access applications. 

So, many of these businesses put their confidential data on online platforms, increasing their chances of being subjected to different types of cyber-attacks. To protect online platforms from third parties, businesses started to add extra layers of protection to increase the security of those platforms. 

One way to add extra security layers is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). For instance, when Windows MFA is connected to a computer, whenever remote employees need to access their desktop files, they need to provide additional information to verify their identity and, afterward, get approval from the MFA application. 

Why Securing a Windows Account Is Essential

As mentioned above, many businesses aim to use remote desktops to make accessing files and confidential documents easier for employees working from home. 

A Windows account is needed to access office desktops. Employees who insert their Windows usernames and passwords will get access to confidential information. For that, a username and password are not enough to protect classified business documents, and managers must give extra attention to adding numerous layers of security to these accounts. 

Another reason to protect these accounts is that if confidential data is leaked, it will cause harm to a business’s reputation and loss of customers and partners. 

So, to avoid facing the problem of shutting down a business, it is essential to secure online company accounts. 

How To Insert Security Keys For Your Windows With An MFA Application

If you are getting started with installing and connecting a Multi-Factor Authentication application to company accounts, here are some of the first steps you can follow to ensure a proper connection. 

1. Find a User-Friendly MFA Provider For Employees

The first step is to find the most appropriate MFA application for your employees. Numerous MFA applications are available in the market, and the large number makes it harder for managers to decide which one best fits their company culture. 

To make this step easier, narrow down the available options, figure out the complexity of each application, and you will be able to figure out which one is the most applicable for your company.

2. Create a Domain Account For The Business By Submitting An Application 

After figuring out which application to install, it is time to create an admin account. Some applications require their users to apply for a domain account. Whichever is the case, ensure to insert all the right information, as this account will be responsible for giving access to other employees to use the Remote Windows access.

3. Allow Employees To Use The MFA Application To Add Additional Security To Their Accounts

Once the domain account is accepted from the MFA application, managers need to give access to employees’ usernames to use the MFA application and add extra layers of security to their accounts. 

4. Let Each Employee Choose The Type Of Authentication That They Prefer 

Now that employees have access to the MFA application, they need to set up their accounts and add the security key they prefer whenever they sign in to their accounts. 

MFA applications offer numerous options; however, the most secure ones are fingerprint scans, face recognition, and a one-time code sent to a mobile number.

5. Advise Each Employee To Test If The MFA Is Working Properly

After setting up the MFA application, it is crucial to check whether the MFA application is working properly and add extra layers of security to an account. So, attempt to sign into an account from another device; if you are required to provide additional information to access your account, the MFA application is working properly, and you’re ready to go.

Conclusion

To summarize, nowadays, a username and password are not enough to provide the needed security measures to an account. So, whenever an account is only protected with a single password, the chances of it being subjected to cyber-attacks are increased. 

Thus, to avoid such problems, it is important to add additional security keys to an account using multi-factor authentication.