Step up your defences using MFA

All of us have important digital accounts. Think bank accounts, email, online shopping and social media to name a few.

Have you enabled multi-factor authentication (MFA) to step up your defences and lock the front door to your online accounts?

What is MFA?

MFA acts like a security guard at the door to your accounts – if a cybercriminal guessed your password, they will be stopped at the MFA check. MFA is two or more steps to verify your identity before you can log into your account.

MFA is no longer an option; it is a must have. Use it on your work accounts where it’s required and your personal accounts.

Four simple steps to MFA protection.

1. Check your accounts, is MFA enabled?
2. Set up MFA on accounts where it is available.
3. Prioritise your important accounts first.
4. Check your work accounts and devices.  If you are unsure, ask your IT team about MFA.

Where can I find out more information?

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has free information:

• Learn the basics of MFA. The webpage has a video, case study, practical guide and a quiz to test your MFA knowledge.
• Learn how to turn on MFA for your accounts. Links are provided for different websites and app services including email, financial services, online shopping, social media and communication, government services, and gaming.

Give me the quick points – free videos on MFA.

• Australian Cyber Security Centre – Enabling multi-factor authentication
• Idcare What is Multifactor Authentication video.

What other points should I consider?

• Lock your device every time you step away. Use Ctrl, Alt, Delete followed by Enter to lock your laptop and protect your device.
• Check QR codes – only scan from trusted sources and check the URL, if you don’t recognise the URL, don’t click through.
• Turn off Bluetooth in public – be aware of what devices you pair with.
• Cover your webcam – turn your webcam off when you’re not in a meeting and review what apps’ have access to your camera or microphone.
• Don’t plug in unknown USB’s or external hard drives – unknown devices could contain hidden malware.

Start a conversation with your team, include details in your weekly team meeting and, talk to your family about MFA to help them understand how they can help to secure our digital environment.