Multi-Factor Authentication is Critical for Small Businesses

Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often believe they’re too insignificant to be targeted by cybercriminals. But as Sean Mack, Managing Director of ISMG’s CXOAdvisor, warns:

“That mindset is exactly why attackers go after small and mid-sized businesses. That mindset that ‘I’m too small to be a target’ leads to weak defenses which attackers know about and can exploit.”

One of the most effective ways to strengthen defenses—and one of the easiest steps an organization can take—is enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all systems and platforms.

Passwords alone are no longer enough to secure sensitive accounts and data. Hackers have become adept at stealing or guessing credentials through phishing attacks, brute force attempts, or by buying them on the dark web.

As Mack puts it:

“MFA is the most effective and lowest cost way to stop account takeovers. It prevents unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.”

This matters because we live in an environment where we must assume credentials are already exposed.

“After some of the massive data breaches we’ve had over the last several years, we need to assume that our users’ passwords are out there,” Mack explains. “Even if they didn’t break into your organization, they may have exfiltrated data from another organization that matches passwords to user names. So we have to assume that those passwords are out there.” That reality makes MFA essential. A stolen password on its own is no longer enough to breach an account if MFA is active.

MFA works by requiring a second factor of authentication—such as a one-time code, push notification, or biometric verification—before granting access. Even if a hacker has the username and password, they would also need access to the user’s mobile device, authenticator app, or fingerprint to complete the login.

This simple extra layer of protection dramatically reduces the risk of account takeovers.

Mack is very specific:

“Most platforms support MFA. It just needs to be turned on. So turn it on for all of your platforms. There’s definitely more detail you can get into in terms of how to make that more user friendly, more adaptive authentication, but at the basic level, some businesses are not even turning it on. So let’s start there.”

The immediate priority is coverage—making sure every system, every platform, every application has MFA enabled.

And if a system doesn’t support MFA?

“If a system doesn’t support it, I think you have to consider getting rid of it.”

That’s how critical MFA has become.

Once MFA is deployed everywhere, organizations can refine their approach with adaptive MFA. This more advanced model adjusts security requirements based on context—for example, requiring additional verification if a login attempt comes from a new location, an unrecognized device, or at an unusual time.

Adaptive MFA balances stronger security with a better user experience, only stepping up authentication when risk signals are present.

Watch the ISMG.Studio interview: Cybersecurity Checklist Every Small Business Should Follow.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require decisive action. Multi-Factor Authentication is one of the most cost-effective, widely supported, and impactful steps any business—large or small—can take today.

As Mack emphasizes: “Once you assume that someone has your user’s username and password, the most effective way to block that attack is to use MFA.”

MFA is your first line of defense. Make sure it’s enabled everywhere

• Enable MFA everywhere, immediately: Don’t wait. Every account is a potential entry point for attackers.
• Assume passwords are already compromised: Operate as though attackers already have access to usernames and passwords.
• If a system doesn’t support MFA, replace it: In 2025, any platform without MFA is a liability.
• Explore more advanced MFA options as your organization matures: Move from basic MFA to adaptive approaches for stronger security and smoother user experience.