In today’s ever-connected world, businesses of all sizes face an escalating threat from cyber attacks, as recent incidents involving major organisations like M&S and Co-op have shown. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting weaknesses in cybersecurity to gain access to sensitive information.
One critical vulnerability many organisations still rely on is single-factor authentication, typically just a username and password. This method alone is no longer sufficient to keep attackers out.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an essential additional layer of protection. Shockingly, over 99% of credential-based cyber attacks could be prevented simply by implementing MFA, yet it remains an overlooked safeguard in many security strategies.
Understanding Credential-Based Attacks
Credential-based attacks use stolen or compromised login details to gain unauthorised access. Common methods include phishing, tricking users into sharing passwords, and brute-force attacks, where automated software tries thousands or millions of password combinations until it finds the right one. Hackers also reuse leaked credentials from past breaches to break into accounts. Recently, attackers have become more sophisticated, using social engineering and AI to improve their chances. This constant evolution means businesses need to stay alert and proactive.
The Benefits and Limitations of MFA
MFA acts as a vital safeguard, like adding a second lock to your front door. It requires not just your password, but a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, as a stolen password alone is no longer enough.
However, MFA isn’t flawless. As adoption has increased, attackers have adapted. Techniques like phishing websites that intercept one-time passcodes or push notification fatigue (where users are bombarded with approval prompts) can still trick users into granting access. That’s why it’s important to use the strongest MFA methods available.
Even so, any MFA is better than none. It adds a crucial barrier and dramatically lowers your risk compared to passwords alone.
Common Microsoft 365 MFA Misconfigurations
The absence of properly enforced MFA in Microsoft 365 environments remains a major security gap. Without this critical layer of protection, unauthorised access becomes far too easy, especially when users rely solely on a password. Even when MFA is technically enabled, weak Conditional Access policies and legacy protocols can allow attackers to bypass it altogether. These gaps not only weaken your MFA implementation but also leave your sensitive data exposed. Addressing them is essential to strengthening your overall Microsoft 365 security posture.
Free Microsoft 365 Security Audit: Book Yours Today
To support you, we’re offering a free MFA and security best practice audit. Our experts will review your current Microsoft 365 environment, identify key risks, and provide clear, actionable steps to help you strengthen your defences — all based on industry best practices.
What’s included:
- MFA configuration review
- Conditional Access and Security Defaults assessment
- Legacy protocol exposure check
- Recommendations aligned with Microsoft’s Zero Trust model
There’s no cost and no obligation — just practical, expert guidance to help you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Book your audit today.
