Five questions to ask about multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication adds another way to verify identity beyond a password. CISA recommends requiring it for remote access and privileged or administrative access. Read CISA’s guidance for businesses.

For a business owner, “we have MFA” is the beginning of a conversation—not the whole answer.

Ask your IT provider

1. Which accounts are covered? Include business email, administrators, and remote access.
2. Which accounts are exceptions? Ask why, who approved them, and when they will be reviewed.
3. What happens when a phone is lost? Understand the account-recovery process and how the requester’s identity is checked.
4. Who owns staff changes? Confirm how access is added, adjusted, and removed.
5. What evidence can we review? Ask for a dated explanation of coverage and open actions rather than relying on a general assurance.

Keep the next step practical

These are discussion questions, not instructions to change sign-in settings without preparation. Agree ownership, support arrangements, and a controlled rollout with your administrator.

MFA is one safeguard, not a guarantee against account compromise. Review it alongside permissions, devices, and collaboration practices through Microsoft Secure Workplace.