Enable Multifactor Authentication in Microsoft 365

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security beyond the standard username and password. According to Microsoft, enabling MFA can reduce the risk of account compromise by over 99%, making it a crucial safeguard against phishing attacks and frequent data breaches. Even if login credentials are exposed, MFA makes it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access an employee’s device, thanks to the physical separation of authentication steps.

As part of Microsoft 365, MFA offers users multiple ways to verify their identity. Options range from traditional methods like phone calls or SMS to more secure modern methods such as the Microsoft Authenticator app, physical security keys, or passkeys. This flexibility ensures businesses can protect sensitive data effectively while keeping the login process convenient for employees.

Why Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Is Essential for Microsoft 365 Security

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a critical security measure because it significantly lowers the risk of unauthorized access. Consider the consequences if an admin account in your organization were compromised:

Data breaches: Attackers could access sensitive information, including customer details, intellectual property, and confidential correspondence.

Loss of access: Ransomware or other attacks can lock you out of critical company resources, disrupting operations even if you have a disaster recovery plan in place.

Financial and legal impact: Organizations may face direct financial losses, ransom payments, fines, or compensation costs following a security incident.

Reputation damage: Security breaches can harm your organization’s image, reduce customer trust, and lead to lost business opportunities.

Operational disruption: Cyberattacks can interfere with IT systems, causing downtime or interruptions in delivering services.

Employee morale: Security incidents can increase anxiety among staff and affect confidence in the organization as a safe and reliable workplace.

Steps to Enable MFA and Enforcing to access from other application

Proceed by following the steps outlined below

Login to Office.com with your Global admin credentials.

• Step 1: Click the 'Admin' menu as shown below.

  

• Step 2: Click the 'Users', then 'Active Users', then 'Multi-factor authentication' menu as shown below.

  

• Step 3: Select the user for which you want to enable the MFA, Click the link 'Enable' as shown below.

  

• Step 4: About enabling multi-factor auth.

  Click the 'enable multi-factor auth' button as shown below.

  

• Step 5: Select the user for which you want to enforce MFA, Click the link 'Enforce' as shown below.

  

• Step 6: About non-browser applications.

  click the 'enforce multi-factor auth' button as shown.