Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors in addition to a username and password to gain access to an application, a system, or an online account.

Enforcing MFA helps prevent most cyber incidents because even if cybercriminals have stolen an account credential (username and password), they cannot get into the account without the additional factor. Using MFA means increased confidence that your organization will stay safe from cybercriminals.

It is not widely known, but many cloud applications used by small and mid-size businesses have MFA built into them at no additional charge. In most cases, MFA is turned off by default but administrators can enforce its use centrally. Below is a list of common applications with links for an administrator to enable MFA centrally: