What is the most effective step to harden authentication methods in a tech company?

Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) for all systems is the most effective step to harden authentication methods in a tech company because it adds an additional layer of protection beyond just a password. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. These factors can include something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or hardware token that generates a code), or something the user is (biometric data like fingerprints).

The effectiveness of MFA lies in its ability to thwart many common attack vectors, such as phishing, where attackers may compromise a password. Even if an attacker has a valid username and password, they would still need the second factor to gain access, making it considerably more difficult for unauthorized individuals to breach accounts.

This layered approach to security aligns with industry best practices and is endorsed by security frameworks and guidelines, emphasizing that reliance solely on passwords is insufficient in today’s threat landscape.