A Practical Guide to Rolling Out Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA blocks the majority of account takeovers. This guide covers which accounts to protect first and how to avoid rollout frustration.
A stolen password on its own should not be enough to enter your systems. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a second proof, such as a code or a prompt on a device the user holds, so a leaked password alone is useless.
Prioritise the accounts that matter most
- Email and single sign-on accounts.
- Administrator and IT accounts.
- Finance, payroll and banking tools.
- Remote access such as VPN and remote desktop.
Choose the right second factor
Authenticator apps and hardware security keys are stronger than text messages, which can be intercepted or redirected. Hardware keys are an excellent choice for administrators and finance staff.
Roll out without friction
Announce the change in advance, offer a short walkthrough, and set up a fallback process for lost phones. Pilot with a small group first, fix the rough edges, then extend to everyone.
Review MFA coverage every quarter. New tools and new staff are the usual places where protection quietly goes missing.
