MFA Myths Busted: What Multi-Factor Authentication Really Does

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) isn’t just a tech buzzword — it’s one of the most effective tools your business can use to stop credential-based attacks.

Here’s what MFA actually does (and doesn’t do), and why every small team should use it.

🧱 What Is MFA, Really?

MFA means you need two or more factors to log in:

• Something you know (your password)
• Something you have (a code or app)
• Something you are (biometric, like Face ID)

If someone steals your password, they still can’t log in — unless they have your second factor.

🧨 Myth 1: “MFA Is Too Complicated for Our Team”

Not true. Modern tools like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator are user-friendly and take minutes to set up.

Reality: Most staff get used to MFA in a day or two.

🛑 Myth 2: “MFA Isn’t Necessary if You Use Strong Passwords”

Strong passwords help — but attackers can still phish or leak them.

Reality: MFA blocks over 99% of automated attacks, even if the password is known.

💸 Myth 3: “MFA Slows Us Down or Costs Too Much”

Free authenticator apps are available. Many services like Google, Microsoft 365, and Slack already include MFA.

Reality: The cost of a breach is far higher than a few seconds of MFA.

✅ Where You Should Enable MFA

• Email (Gmail, Outlook)
• Cloud file storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Accounting & HR tools (Xero, QuickBooks, Gusto)
• Password managers (1Password, Bitwarden)

“Think of MFA like a deadbolt for your accounts.”

🧠 Make MFA Part of Onboarding

Include MFA setup as a standard task for new employees. SMBCyberHub’s MFA training materials walk you through the process.

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