What is a multi factor authentication
Numerous businesses have started to offer online working opportunities for their employees in order to increase productivity and effectiveness due to the change in the environment. However, the transition to the online working environment required businesses to start depending on numerous online platforms to make remote working for their employees as easy and smooth as possible. For instance, numerous businesses started to use cloud spaces to upload data and confidential information, communicate using email platforms, and so on.
In addition to using online platforms, businesses have started to suggest remote workers use a virtual private network (VPN) when they connect to a public internet connection.
Even though remote working has made employees much more productive, it has had numerous drawbacks when it comes to the security and protection of company data. For instance, when remote employees connect to a public network with a VPN connection, hacking into that device becomes much easier.
To solve this issue, organizations have started to use multi factor authentication providers that allow users to secure their accounts and ensure that no external parties can have access to company files.
Importance of using a Fortinet VPN for businesses
As mentioned, businesses have started to use a VPN when connecting to public networks. However, VPN accounts are also easy to hack into as they are protected only with a single password/ So, connecting a Fortinet VPN Multi Factor Authentication is important to ensure that the VPN connection will not be interrupted due to cyber-attackers, which could lead to losing data to the public.
So, to protect a Fortinet VPN account to its fullest, it is important to connect an MFA provider to the Fortinet account.
How can the combination of an MFA and Fortinet VPN keep data secure?
Some might think that connecting a multi factor authentication application to a VPN account is not logical. However, that is far from the truth. The first account that should be protected with extra layers of security is the VPN account. Most people buy VPN in order to protect their identities on online platforms or to make hacking into their devices difficult.
So, when a VPN account is hacked, users will not know that they are using an insecure network connection, leading them to expose their identities and usernames to all those who are connected to the same insecure network. Additionally, it could increase the chances of employees clicking on phishing links, which will lead to them getting hacked.
Thus, to ensure that the VPN account is protected to the fullest extent, it is important to combine an MFA application with the VPN account.
Steps to combine MFA with a VPN account
1- Ensure to install of a reliable MFA application
The first step when it comes to using an MFA application is to dedicate a lot of time and effort to finding the most reliable MFA application. There are many MFA applications available on the internet, and choosing which one to use for an organization can be a tricky decision.
To make it easier, try reading online reviews and finding out whether an application is worth the time and effort.
2- Create a domain account with the company name
After installing the reliable MFA application, managers should create a domain account using the company name. As the name suggests, the domain account is the account to which all other company accounts will be connected, which will allow them to use the MFA application and secure their accounts with additional layers of security.
3- Combine all company employee account with the admin account
To allow employees to use the MFA application, managers need to combine the employee accounts and connect them to the admin (domain) account.
4 Ask employees to set up their accounts with the MFA application
The last step is to ask employees to set up their accounts and choose the authentication method they prefer. Many types are available as extra authentication; however, using a fingerprint scan, face recognition, or push notification is considered some of the best methods.
Conclusion
To conclude, many people try to hack into organizational accounts for numerous reasons. To decrease the chances of people hacking into company accounts, organizations should start implementing the usage of multi factor authentication, especially on VPN accounts.
