October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when businesses and individuals alike are reminded of the importance of safeguarding digital identities and sensitive data. If there’s one tool that has proven itself to be a simple yet powerful shield against cybercrime, it’s multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Think of MFA as putting two locks on your front door instead of one. Even if a thief has the key (your password), they’ll still need the second lock combination (like a code sent to your phone) before they can get inside. It’s extra effort for you, but it’s double the protection against attackers.

Part of what makes Reality Bytes the best business IT service provider in Medicine Hat is our stance on cybersecurity. We strongly encourage every business to adopt MFA, as it’s one of the most effective, affordable, and user-friendly ways to reduce risk. And because we provide not only managed IT services but a responsive IT help desk as well, we know what it takes to implement MFA successfully and support staff as they adjust.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

MFA is a security system that requires users to verify their identity through two or more independent credentials. These credentials fall into three main categories:

1. Something you know: a password, PIN, or answer to a security question.
2. Something you have: a smartphone, security token, or smart card.
3. Something you are: a fingerprint, facial scan, or voice recognition.

By combining at least two of these, MFA makes it much harder for attackers to impersonate you.

Why MFA is a Game-Changer

Passwords alone are no longer enough. Over 80% of breaches are caused by stolen or weak passwords. Attackers now use phishing scams, brute force software, and dark web credential dumps to bypass single-password security in seconds.

MFA turns that simple password barrier into a multi-layered defence:

• Reduces Risk: MFA blocks over 99% of automated attacks. ^{[1, 2]}
• Stops Credential Stuffing: Even if your password is leaked in a breach, attackers can’t use it without your second factor. ^{[3, 4, 5]}
• Protects Remote Workers: With more teams logging in from home or public Wi-Fi, MFA ensures identity verification no matter the location. ^{[6, 7, 8]}
• Meets Compliance Standards: Many industries, such as finance, healthcare, and legal services, are required to implement MFA. ^{[9, 10]}

Cybersecurity is a Program, Not a Product

One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking cybersecurity can be solved by buying a single product. The truth is that cybersecurity is a program, not a product.

MFA is part of that program. It needs to be deployed, monitored, tested, and updated. Simply flipping a switch isn’t enough.

We’ve seen some scary recommendations from local IT companies, suggesting that businesses don’t need MFA, or that one antivirus program is “good enough.” Cutting corners like this puts organizations at risk. A proper managed IT services program integrates MFA as part of a holistic defence strategy that includes patch management, endpoint monitoring, backups, and employee training. And we ALWAYS recommend speaking to your insurance provider about cybersecurity insurance—every business should have it.

If your IT provider isn’t serious about cybersecurity, then they’re not serious about protecting you or your data.

The Different Types of MFA

Businesses can choose from several MFA methods depending on budget and convenience:

• SMS-Based Codes: Easy but vulnerable to SIM-swapping.
• Authentication Apps: Stronger security through time-based codes.
• Push Notifications: Convenient, but risk MFA fatigue.
• Hardware Tokens: Extremely secure physical keys, but higher cost.
• Biometrics: Convenient, but biometric data can’t be changed if stolen.

As an IT help desk provider, we often guide employees on how to use these tools correctly. After all, training and support are just as important as the technology itself.

The Business Case for MFA

For business leaders, MFA isn’t just technical—it’s strategic:

• Prevents Costly Breaches: The average Canadian breach costs $7.5 million. MFA is a fraction of that. ^{[11, 12]}
• Builds Client Trust: Clients feel safer knowing their data is protected. ^{[13, 14]}
• Improves Compliance: MFA aligns with privacy and industry regulations. ^{[15, 16]}
• Supports Remote and Hybrid Work: Provides secure access for distributed teams. ^{[17, 18]}

This is where managed IT services shine. Instead of scrambling to secure systems after the fact, your IT partner builds proactive protections like MFA into your infrastructure.

Overcoming Resistance to MFA

We often hear objections from business owners and staff:

• “It’s inconvenient.” MFA adds a few seconds to your login, but those seconds can save hours, days, weeks, or even months recovering from a breach.
• “It’s too expensive.” Microsoft Authenticator is free in Google Play and the Apple App Store, and many of the more premium, enterprise-grade MFA tools are included in systems you already pay for (like Microsoft 365 Business).
• “Employees won’t like it.” Yeah, it can be a pain, but with the right training and IT help desk support, adoption is smoother than most expect.

At Reality Bytes, we make MFA adoption seamless by blending technical rollout with staff education and help desk support.

MFA in the News: Real-World Examples

• In June 2022, a UK law firm, DPP Law Ltd, was hit by a brute force cyberattack. An administrator did not have MFA enabled, allowing cybercriminals to gain access to highly sensitive data. This resulted in DPP being fined £60,000 (over $100,000 CAD). ^{[24, 27]}
• Late in 2024, Hot Topic suffered a massive data breach that exposed over 50 million customers. An investigation revealed that Hot Topic did not use MFA on their cloud-based data management platform, and this allowed cybercriminals to use stolen login credentials to gain access with ease. ^[25]
• The City of Hamilton was hit by a massive ransomware attack in February 2024 that crippled municipal services for weeks. Now, because they did not use MFA, insurance won’t cover $5 million in claims. ^[26]

These are just a few real-world stories of cyberattacks that could have been prevented with the use of MFA.

MFA is Not a Silver Bullet

While MFA is powerful, attackers are adapting. ^[19] Phishing kits can trick users into approving fraudulent MFA prompts. ^{[20, 21, 22]} Some hackers use “MFA fatigue attacks” by spamming users with approval requests until they click ‘yes’ by mistake. ^[23]

This is why cybersecurity is a program, not a product. MFA must be layered with:

• Strong password policies and etiquette.
• 24/7 monitoring through managed IT services.
• IT help desk support for employees.
• Endpoint protection and backups.
• Cybersecurity training and simulations for all staff.

Why Partner with Reality Bytes

As providers of the best business IT services in Medicine Hat, our approach to MFA and cybersecurity includes:

• Managed IT services that keep systems updated and monitored.
• IT help desk support to ensure staff understand and use MFA properly.
• Cybersecurity programs designed to evolve as threats change.
• Proactive protection instead of reactive ‘band-aid’ fixes.

We’ve seen local companies downplay the importance of MFA or skip proper planning. That’s not how we operate. Your business deserves layered, strategic protection, not shortcuts.

Getting Started with MFA

Here’s a roadmap to secure MFA adoption in your business:

1. Identify Key Accounts: Start with email, cloud apps, and financial systems.
2. Select MFA Methods: Balance convenience with security.
3. Integrate with Managed IT Services: Ensure ongoing monitoring and updates.
4. Train Staff: Use the IT help desk to answer questions and support adoption.
5. Review Regularly: Cybersecurity is not one-and-done; it must evolve.

Final Thoughts

Multi-factor authentication is one of the most powerful tools available to businesses today. It adds a critical second lock on the door, doubling your protection against attackers.

Yes, it takes a little extra effort. But when paired with business IT services, managed IT services, and a reliable IT help desk, MFA is a seamless, cost-effective, and highly effective defence.

At Reality Bytes, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in programs, not products. MFA is a cornerstone of the comprehensive cybersecurity programs we build for our clients. Because in 2025, double the protection isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Ready to Get Started?

✅ Book a FREE technology consultation

✅ Ask us about our Managed Cybersecurity Services‍

✅ Let’s build a safer, smarter business together

‍

References:

1. Multifactor Authentication | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices/multifactor-authentication)
2. Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Gain Network Access by Exploiting Default Multifactor Authentication Protocols and “PrintNightmare” Vulnerability | CISA - (https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-074a)
3. Strategies for protecting web application systems against credential stuffing attacks (ITSP.30.035) - Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/strategies-protecting-web-application-systems-against-credential-stuffing-attacks)
4. What is credential stuffing? | Credential stuffing vs. brute force attacks | Cloudflare (https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/bots/what-is-credential-stuffing/)
5. The Need for Phishing-Resistant Multi-Factor Authentication | Okta (https://www.okta.com/blog/identity-security/the-need-for-phishing-resistant-multi-factor-authentication/)
6. Protecting your organization while using Wi-Fi (ITSAP.80.009) - Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/protecting-your-organization-while-using-wi-fi-itsap80009)
7. ITSAP.10.116 Cyber Security Tips for Remote Work (https://www.cyber.gc.ca/sites/default/files/cyber/publications/ITSAP10116_1.pdf)
8. How to use public Wi-Fi safely: 5 things to know before you connect | ZDNET (https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-public-wi-fi-safely/)
9. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | FINRA.org (https://www.finra.org/filing-reporting/multi-factor-authentication)
10. Cybersecurity | FINRA.org (https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/cybersecurity)
11. The Daily — Impact of cybercrime on Canadian businesses, 2023 (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241021/dq241021a-eng.htm)
12. National Cyber Threat Assessment 2023-2024 - Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/national-cyber-threat-assessment-2023-2024)
13. Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Is Important | Okta (https://www.okta.com/identity-101/why-mfa-is-everywhere/)
14. Why multi-factor authentication is absolutely essential in 2025 | ZDNET (https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-multi-factor-authentication-is-absolutely-essential-in-2025/)
15. Secure your accounts and devices with multi-factor authentication (ITSAP.30.030) - Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/secure-your-accounts-and-devices-multi-factor-authentication-itsap30030)
16. Statement from the Office of the Chief Information Officer of the Government of Canada on a Data Security Incident - Canada.ca (https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2025/09/statement-from-the-office-of-the-chief-information-officer-of-the-government-of-canada-on-data-security-incident.html)
17. Step 1. Increase sign-in security for hybrid workers with MFA | Microsoft Learn (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/solutions/empower-people-to-work-remotely-secure-sign-in?view=o365-worldwide)
18. Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication overview - Microsoft Entra ID | Microsoft Learn (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/concept-mfa-howitworks)
19. Microsoft and Cloudflare disrupt RaccoonO365 phishing network that stole thousands of Microsoft 365 credentials worldwide | TechRadar (https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/microsoft-and-cloudflare-jointly-take-down-phishing-network-that-stole-thousands-of-microsoft-365-credentials)
20. Mamba 2FA Cybercrime Kit Strikes Microsoft Users (https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/mamba-2fa-cybercrime-kit-microsoft-365-users)
21. Uncloaking VoidProxy: a Novel and Evasive Phishing-as-a-Service Framework | Okta Security (https://sec.okta.com/articles/uncloakingvoidproxy/)
22. Salty2FA Takes Phishing Kits to Enterprise Level (https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/salty2fa-phishing-kits-enterprise-level)
23. Don't just lock your door: MFA alone is not enough in today's cybersecurity climate | TechRadar (https://www.techradar.com/pro/dont-just-lock-your-door-mfa-alone-is-not-enough-in-todays-cybersecurity-climate)
24. Law firm fined £60,000 following cyber attack | ICO (https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/04/law-firm-fined-60-000-following-cyber-attack/)
25. 57 Million Retail Customers Exposed In Massive Data Breach (https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2024/11/13/57000000-retail-customers-exposed-in-massive-data-breach/)
26. Insurance won't cover $5M in City of Hamilton claims for cyberattack, citing lack of log-in security | CBC News (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/cybersecurity-breach-1.7597713)
27. Hacked law firm 'didn't think it was a data breach' – the ICO disagreed (https://www.itpro.com/business/hacked-law-firm-didnt-think-it-was-a-data-breach-the-ico-disagreed)