Why Every Small Business Near Fargo Needs Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
You wouldn’t leave your office unlocked overnight—or drive without a seatbelt. So why run your business without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your business from cyber threats. It adds a second layer of verification—like a text code or an app notification—so even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t get into your accounts.
And here’s the kicker: Microsoft found that enabling MFA blocks over 99% of account compromise attempts. That’s peace of mind your business can’t afford to skip.
What Is MFA and Why Should You Care?
Think of MFA as a second lock on your digital front door. Instead of relying only on a password (which can be stolen, guessed, or phished), MFA requires an additional step to prove your identity.
That second step could be:
- A code sent via text
- A push notification from an authenticator app
- A fingerprint or facial scan
- A one-time password (OTP) generated by your phone
It’s fast. It’s free. And it could save your business from serious downtime, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Real-Life Example: How MFA Prevents Business Disasters
Imagine an employee accidentally shares login credentials in a phishing email (it happens more often than you think). With MFA enabled, the hacker hits a wall. You receive an alert that someone tried logging in, giving you time to change your password before damage is done.
No lost files. No stolen data. No angry customers. Just business as usual.
Where You Need MFA the Most
Not every login is created equal. These are the high-priority accounts where MFA should be non-negotiable:
- Banking & financial platforms
- Email & cloud file storage
- Work logins with customer or proprietary data
- Social media accounts tied to your brand
If your small business relies on cloud-based tools (and most do), enabling MFA is a no-brainer.
Setting up MFA isn’t complicated—but doing it right matters. The IMS team makes it effortless. We help businesses like yours across North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota set up secure logins, train employees, and build strong security habits.
Our clients stay with us because we:
- Respond fast (often same day—even after hours)
- Fix issues before they become problems
- Simplify IT with one team handling it all
- Offer friendly, knowledgeable support every time
Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed
MFA is a quick win in cybersecurity—and the easiest way to protect your digital life.
If your current IT provider hasn’t already talked to you about it, you might be overdue for a conversation with someone who’s looking out for your business.
Let’s set up MFA and secure your systems today.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) – Small Business Frequently Asked Questions
What is MFA?
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is a simple security feature that requires two or more steps to log in to an account. Instead of just entering a password, you’ll also confirm your identity with a second factor—like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan.
Why does my small business need MFA?
Passwords alone are easy to steal or guess. MFA blocks over 99% of account hacks—even if your password is compromised. It’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to protect your business from costly cyberattacks.
Where should I enable MFA?
We recommend enabling MFA on:
- Email accounts
- Cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive)
- Banking and finance platforms
- CRM and business apps
- Any login with access to client or internal data
Is MFA hard to set up?
Not at all. Most platforms (Microsoft 365, Google, banking apps, etc.) offer built-in MFA options. The IMS team can help you set it up across your systems quickly—without disrupting your workflow.
What if my employees forget their phones or get locked out?
Good question. With IMS managing your systems, we’ll build in secure backup options and offer fast support if someone gets stuck. We keep your team productive and your data protected.
How much does MFA cost?
MFA is typically free to enable and included in most cloud service plans. The real cost comes from not having it—downtime, lost data, and reputational damage can be devastating.
