In a time when digital interactions touch so much of our ministry, securing your church identity and accounts has never been more critical. Cyber threats are coming from all sides, poised to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise sensitive information. One of the most effective and straightforward actions to minimize these risks is implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (“MFA.”) MFA provides overwhelming benefits while adding very little complexity or additional effort. MFA is a must-have for churches who wish to protect their people and resources responsibly.

Microsoft’s Authenticator app is a simple, powerful tool that enables churches to establish an effective MFA protocol. Failure to implement the Microsoft Authenticator app or a similar multi-factor authentication app) can cause several potential issues for your church.

1. Reduced Security: MFA is an essential security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your church data and information. When not required and implemented across the board, church accounts become much more vulnerable to unauthorized users. Without the Authenticator app, you may need to rely on lower security measures such as SMS or email codes, which can be less convenient and potentially less secure.
2. Limited Access: Most churches and organizations are now beginning to require MFA as a mandatory security measure. Those members, staff, or other constituents that do not install an MFA app, such as Authenticator, may be limited or incapable of accessing specific databases or services that require its login.
3. High Risk of Compromise: Without MFA, your church data is more susceptible to various attacks. Implementing MFA will add an additional security step to access an account. This security step is critical in protecting accounts whose passwords have been stolen, breached, or compromised.
4. Loss of Data and Privacy: Much church data is sensitive, containing private personal information. Not implementing MFA increases the likelihood of data breaches and the loss of privacy, making it easier for bad actors to obtain unauthorized access to church accounts. Those who get unauthorized access can use the church’s stored private personal information and financial data for harmful purposes.
5. Increased Risk of Identity Theft: If cyber attackers obtain unauthorized access to your church data, they can use the information stored in your accounts for all types of fraudulent activity, including identity theft.

Failing or refusing to install the Microsoft Authenticator app or a similar MFA app can lead to serious security breaches and an increased risk of unauthorized access to your sensitive data. Given the overwhelming security benefits of MFA, the massive problems associated with a security breach, and the very minor expenditure of time required to validate your identity, there is no longer any compelling reason for not implementing MFA.

We strongly encourage you and your staff to implement mandatory MFA wherever possible using an app such as Microsoft Authenticator rather than SMS or other forms of MFA. For more information about MFA, please check out this article: Multi-Factor Authentication: A Must-Have for your Church!