Why Multi-Factor Authentication Is Crucial
MFA is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Learn why multi-factor authentication is essential and how to implement it in your business.
Your password is not enough. That sounds alarming, but it’s the reality of cybersecurity in 2025. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the most important security measure you can take as an SME business.
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication means you need multiple “factors” to log in. Instead of just a password (something you know), you add a second factor.
| Factor type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Something you know | Password, PIN |
| Something you have | Phone, hardware key |
| Something you are | Fingerprint, face |
Why is MFA so important?
Passwords are weak
The numbers don’t lie
99.9%
attacks blocked
with MFA (source: Microsoft)
80%
of hacks
through stolen/weak passwords
EUR 50,000+
average damage
SME account compromise
Regulations require it
Read more about the NIS2 directive.
How does MFA work in practice?
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Authenticator app | Code every 30 seconds |
| Push notification | Tap 'Approve' |
| SMS code | Code via SMS |
| Hardware key | Physical device |
1. Authenticator app (recommended)
Apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or Authy generate a new code every 30 seconds.
2. SMS code (less secure)
3. Hardware key
Implementing MFA in your business
Inventory your systems
List all systems where employees log in
Prioritise
Start with email, financial systems, cloud storage
Choose your method
Microsoft Authenticator for M365, Google Authenticator for Google
Communicate
Explain why MFA is being introduced
Roll out in phases
Start with pilot among IT-savvy employees
Enforce and monitor
No exceptions, monitor who's still working without MFA
Prioritise these systems first
Common objections (and why they’re wrong)
| Objection | Reality |
|---|---|
| It's too cumbersome | After the first week, it's a 3-second habit |
| My employees can't do this | We roll out MFA to people in their 60s - everyone can do it |
| I have nothing to hide | Hackers want money, not your secrets. Through your account they can defraud customers |
| What if I lose my phone? | Centrally managed - disconnect old phone, register new one |
MFA and phishing: a nuance
Read more about cybersecurity.
What does MFA cost?
EUR 0
Microsoft 365
MFA built in
EUR 0
Google Workspace
MFA built in
EUR 25-50
hardware key
one-time per piece
| Item | Costs |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Authenticator app | Free |
| MFA in Microsoft 365 | Included |
| MFA in Google Workspace | Included |
| YubiKey hardware key | EUR 25-50 per piece |
Conclusion
Multi-factor authentication is the most effective security measure you can take. It blocks 99.9% of attacks, costs almost nothing, and is implemented within a day.
Ronald Evers
IT specialist at Barion with over 20 years of experience in SME IT. Ronald writes about IT trends, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
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