In a digital world filled with security threats, simply having a password is no longer a strong enough defense to protect sensitive data. Hacks, breaches, and theft of personal information make headlines on a weekly basis, and, as the threats evolve, so too must your cyber-defenses, this is where multifactor authentication (MFA) comes into the picture.
The Weakness of Passwords Alone
For many years, the simple password (usually the name of a beloved family pet or an important date in your life) has been what most people relied on to protect their online accounts. However, trusting only a password is like installing security cameras but forgetting to lock the doors.
In 2023, researchers found that weak or stolen passwords were responsible for 81% of all data breaches.1 Most users are also guilty of reusing the same password across multiple sites—meaning a breach in one account can lead to unauthorized access in others. And while password manager applications have emerged to help users create and store unique, complex passwords, the reality is that passwords alone are no longer enough to keep you and your data safe.
What is Multifactor Authentication?
Multifactor authentication adds extra layers of protection to the traditional password. In its simplest form, MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods before allowing access to an account. Instead of relying solely on something you know (like a password), MFA also requires something you have (like a phone) or something you are (like a fingerprint). In fact, according to Microsoft, more than 99.9% of compromised accounts don't have MFA, which leaves them vulnerable to password theft, phishing, and password reuse.2
The most common form of MFA is two-factor authentication (2FA), which usually combines your password with a temporary code sent to your phone via text or through an app like Google Authenticator. In this case, even if a hacker knows your password, they still need physical access to your phone to break in.
Some of the most widely used forms of MFA include:
SMS-based codes:
After entering a password, a user receives a text message with a one-time code to input.
Authenticator apps:
Instead of waiting for an SMS, these apps generate time-sensitive codes that refresh every 30 seconds.
Biometrics:
Users may need to scan a fingerprint, facial recognition, or even a retinal scan to verify their identity.
Hardware tokens:
A physical device generates a one-time code when plugged into a computer or connected via Bluetooth.
Dental practices are a goldmine of sensitive patient information. MFA adds a vital layer of protection by:
Preventing unauthorized access:
Even if a hacker steals a password or grabs a laptop while your back is turned, they won't be able to access your data without the second verification step.
Building patient trust:
Patients have a right to expect their information to be safe. Implementing MFA demonstrates your commitment to data security and patient confidentiality.
Why MFA is Important for Dentists
It’s not surprising that dental practices, with their wealth of patient information—including birthdays, social insurance numbers, credit card information and health history—are prime targets for cybercriminals. Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a critical tool designed to bolster your cybersecurity and protect your practice, your patients and your bottom line.
Imagine you arrive at the office and reach into your bag for your laptop, only find it’s not there! Did you leave it at home, in the car, or has it been stolen? That panic you feel quickly intensifies as you recall it holds confidential patient records—a critical tool in modern dental practices where mobile access to sensitive information is both a convenience and a security vulnerability.
Thankfully, if you’re a dentist who’s thought about cybersecurity, you have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled on your laptop, requiring not only a password but also a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone. This extra layer of security makes it significantly harder for anyone who might have found the laptop to access the sensitive patient data it contains.
What Multifactor Authentication Means for You
MFA has become more than a best practice—it’s now required for cyber insurance eligibility, underscoring its importance in protecting sensitive data. With cyberattacks on the rise, dental practices face growing risks as potential targets for hackers seeking patient medical and financial records.
Beyond financial and operational disruptions, a cyber breach can lead to regulatory penalties, adding further risk for dental professionals. CDSPI’s Cyber Insurance provides essential coverage to help you recover from cyber incidents, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: the security of your practice and the well-being of your patients.
How to Implement MFA
Adopting MFA is simpler than most people realize. Here’s how to get started:
Activate MFA on your most sensitive accounts first:
Start with your email, financial services, and office systems, as these are the primary targets for hackers. If you’re using Microsoft 365, MFA is free to implement. Just type “how to install MFA on my business computers” into a search engine to find step-by-step video instructions from Microsoft.
Use an authenticator app rather than SMS:
While receiving codes via text is still better than nothing, using an app (like Google Authenticator) offers more security.
Consider biometric authentication:
Many smartphones and devices now support fingerprint or facial recognition, which can serve as a convenient and secure second factor.
Back up your authentication methods:
Some platforms allow you to set up backup options in case you lose access to your primary method, like your phone or hardware token.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Cybersecurity Beyond MFA
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, your defenses must keep pace. Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an essential layer of protection but only part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Regularly update software, implement cybersecurity awareness training for your team, and consider advanced measures like data encryption. By adopting a proactive approach, you’re better equipped to safeguard your practice.
1 82 Must-Know Data Breach Statistics [updated 2024] (varonis.com)
2 Security at your organization - Multifactor authentication (MFA) statistics - Partner Center | Microsoft Learn
The CDSPI Cyber Insurance program is exclusively distributed by BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. and underwritten by Beazley Insurance, Canada. The CDSPI Cyber Insurance Program is not available to residents of Quebec