Let me start with this absolute truth about multi-factor authentication: Not everyone is going to love it all the time. Technology leaders, it’s a good thing you’re used to hearing grumbles.
Here’s an analogy you can use when that inevitably happens: Ever feel so tired late at night that you consider skipping the routine of brushing your teeth and just jumping straight into bed? It might be a small obstacle in the moment, but it beats the huge bill and the pain of a root canal.
We all know MFA can be occasionally annoying, sure. But it’s the kind of security protection that every savvy company uses with as many vital systems as possible.
This is a necessary step for any promotional products firm looking to shore up its weaknesses.
Tanaisha Dunbarger
Project Management Lead, PPAI
The promo merch industry is embracing digital transformation of all kinds, from online ordering platforms and virtual proofs to CRM systems and various integrations. And with that advancement comes a surge in cybersecurity threats. MFAs are one of the most effective yet underutilized safeguards you can employ.
You may think your business is too small to be a target, but cybercriminals frequently target small to midsize businesses because they tend to have weaker defenses. A ransomware attack or stolen client data can be devastating regardless of your size.
You may think you don’t have the IT resources to manage it. But most major platforms (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks Online, etc.) offer easy MFA setup with minimal maintenance. For more complex needs, managed service providers can help.
PPAI Solutions Center: Software
And you may even think it’ll slow your team down or prevent them from being agile – the entire point of all digital transformation. But once users are accustomed to MFA, the time impact is negligible, especially with streamlined methods like push approvals or remembered devices.
Whether you’re a distributor, supplier or service provider, multi- factor authentication is a foundational component of modern cybersecurity. Here are nine reasons your company should enable MFA across all critical systems.
1. MFA offers protection against phishing attacks.
Phishing remains one of the most common ways attackers steal login credentials. MFA significantly reduces the risk of account takeover by requiring a second form of verification – like a code sent to a mobile device – beyond just a password.
2. MFA mitigates the risk of weak or reused passwords.
Let’s be real: Not everyone on your team uses strong, unique passwords for every system. MFA provides a crucial layer of defense even when passwords are reused or compromised.
3. Sensitive customer and order data is safeguarded.
Promo businesses handle a wealth of sensitive information: customer contacts, artwork, order history, payment data. MFA helps ensure that only authorized users can access these systems, protecting your clients and your brand’s reputation.
4. It prevents unauthorized access to business systems.
From ERP and inventory tools to supplier portals and email accounts, unauthorized access can lead to delays, lost revenue or even fraudulent orders. MFA creates a barrier that deters intruders – even if they’ve somehow obtained your login credentials.
5. MFA strengthens remote work security.
As remote work becomes more common in our industry and others, securing access to cloud-based systems is essential. MFA ensures that your team – and only your team – can connect to internal platforms from anywhere.
6. MFA helps meet compliance standards.
If your company works with clients in regulated industries (like healthcare or finance), you may be required to follow certain data protection standards. MFA can help meet compliance mandates and demonstrate good security hygiene during audits. (Never mind the dentist, your honey probably wants you to brush your teeth before that goodnight kiss, too.)
7. You’ll be better prepared for the increasing threat of ransomware.
Ransomware attacks often begin with compromised credentials. By deploying MFA, you dramatically reduce the attack surface and make it harder for criminals to gain the foothold they need.
8. MFA boosts vendor and client confidence.
More clients are evaluating their vendors’ cybersecurity posture. Showing that you’ve implemented multi-factor authentication across systems gives customers confidence that you take their data and your partnership seriously.
9. It’s low cost.
MFA is one of the most cost-effective security measures available. Most modern platforms already support it, and many offer free or low-cost options. The return on investment, in terms of risk reduction, is massive.
A final thought here: If you read PPAI Newslink, you know our industry is not immune to being targeted by cybercriminals. Our reliance on digital systems and the value of customer data both make us increasingly vulnerable. Implementing multi- factor authentication is a simple yet powerful step to protect your business, your people and your reputation.
Start with your email accounts, CRM, accounting software and any file-sharing tools, then expand from there. The investment is small, but the peace of mind is priceless.
And it’s better than a root canal.
Dunbarger is the project management lead at PPAI.
