Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Why It’s Required and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever been prompted to approve a sign-in on your phone, enter a one-time code, or confirm a login you just attempted — that’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
We know MFA can feel like an extra step. This post explains why MFA is required, what risks it protects against, and why passwords alone are no longer enough.
What is MFA?
Multi-Factor Authentication means you must use more than one type of proof to sign in.
Typically, this includes:
Something you know (your password)
Something you have (a phone, app, or hardware token)
Sometimes something you are (biometrics like fingerprint or face recognition)
Even if someone knows your password, MFA helps prevent them from signing in without the second factor.
Why passwords alone are no longer sufficient
Passwords are compromised far more often than people realize.
Common reasons include:
Phishing emails and fake login pages
Password reuse across multiple sites
Data breaches at unrelated companies
Malware or browser extensions stealing credentials
In many cases, attackers don’t “hack” accounts — they simply log in using stolen passwords.
MFA exists because passwords by themselves are no longer a reliable security barrier.
What MFA protects against
MFA is extremely effective at stopping:
Phishing attacks
Stolen or guessed passwords
Credential reuse attacks
Automated login attempts
Even if an attacker has the correct password, MFA usually stops them cold.
This is why MFA is considered one of the single most effective security controls available.
Why MFA is required for work accounts
Work accounts often provide access to:
Email
Files and documents
Cloud services
Sensitive or regulated data
Internal systems and applications
If one account is compromised, it can impact:
The individual user
Other employees
Customers and partners
The entire organization
MFA significantly reduces this risk.
What happens when MFA prompts appear
When you see an MFA prompt:
It means your password was accepted
The system is verifying it’s really you
The request must be approved to continue
If you receive an MFA prompt you did not initiate:
Do not approve it
Deny the request
Report it to IT immediately
Unexpected MFA prompts are often a sign someone else has your password.
Why MFA sometimes feels inconvenient
MFA adds:
A few seconds to sign-in
An extra step when logging in from new devices or locations
That inconvenience is intentional — it’s the security working.
The alternative is silent account compromise, which usually causes far more disruption.
How MFA fits into security and compliance
MFA is widely required or strongly recommended under frameworks such as:
HIPAA
CMMC / NIST
PCI-DSS
General cybersecurity best practices
In many environments, MFA is no longer optional — it’s a baseline expectation.
Common questions
Can MFA be bypassed?
When implemented correctly, MFA dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access. No control is perfect, but MFA is one of the strongest protections available.
What if I don’t have my phone?
Backup methods (such as alternate verification options or IT assistance) can usually be arranged.
Does MFA track me?
MFA is used to verify identity, not to monitor user activity.
Our recommendation
We strongly recommend — and in many cases require — MFA for all work-related accounts.
It protects:
Your account
Your data
Your organization
And it does so by stopping the most common and successful attack method in use today: stolen passwords.
If you have questions about MFA prompts, setup, or what to do if something doesn’t look right, please contact us right away — we’re happy to help.