In the UK last year, nearly 700,000 businesses experienced a cyber attack or breach. Even more concerning is that around 90% of these incidents were caused by attackers using stolen usernames and passwords.

The reality is simple: if your business relies on passwords alone, you’re at risk. The good news? There’s a straightforward, built-in tool that can reduce this risk by up to 99%.

It’s called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Why Passwords Aren’t Enough
Passwords are the most common way we secure systems, but they’re also the weakest link. They can be:

• Guessed
• Stolen
• Phished

Once an attacker has your credentials, accessing your systems is often just a matter of time. That’s where MFA comes in.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your login process. Instead of just needing a username and password, MFA requires an additional step to prove it’s really you.

This “second factor” could be:

• An app on your smartphone
• A fingerprint
• Facial recognition

With MFA enabled, even if an attacker steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without that second form of authentication.

How MFA Works in Practice
Here’s what happens when someone logs into a system with MFA enabled: They enter their username and password as normal. They’re prompted to approve the login attempt using a second factor (e.g., an authentication app or biometric verification).

Without both steps, access is denied.

The Best Part: You Probably Already Have It

For many businesses, MFA is already included in the tools you use. For example, Microsoft 365 comes with MFA built in — it just needs to be turned on.

Better yet, it’s simple for end users. They log in the same way they always have, but now they confirm their identity with a quick approval on their phone, a fingerprint, or even their face.
Why MFA Is Worth It

Enabling MFA might feel like “one more thing to do,” but the benefits far outweigh the effort:
? Reduces the risk of breach by up to 99%
? Supports compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials and ISO certifications
? Prevents disruption from downtime, ransomware, and data loss
? Protects your reputation and client trust

A successful cyber attack can cost your business time, money, and credibility. MFA drastically reduces those risks.

Take Action Today
Implementing MFA is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to strengthen your cybersecurity. If you’re not already using it, now is the time to talk to your IT team or provider about switching it on.

At Gardner Systems, we help businesses like yours put the right protections in place to stay secure, compliant, and resilient.

Let’s explore how we can make your business more secure.

Contact us now

Email: sales@gardnersystems.co.uk
Call: 0151 220 5552