What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Why Your NAS Needs It

As more businesses utilize network-attached storage (NAS) to host their data and applications, cybercriminals are increasingly labeling NAS and other file servers as high-value targets. In order to combat cyberthreats such as ransomware, IT teams are adopting a proactive approach in creating multiple layers of security. A key step in ensuring robust data security is enabling an authentication method known as two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for their data storage and backup devices.

What Is 2FA/MFA?

Even if you are not aware of the name, you are likely already familiar with the process. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are different terms for the same form of authentication, whereby it requires the user to undergo an additional verification step before you are granted access to an account. 2FA typically works by having a verification code sent to your mobile device (either via SMS or an authenticator app) whenever you attempt to log in to your NAS, and you will have to enter the code in addition to your username and password to successfully log in. If you do not enter the correct code, you will not be able to gain access to the account.

2FA/MFA can significantly improve data security for your NAS, as it ensures that your login information cannot be compromised or hijacked by a threat actor, especially if you are logging in remotely. Enabling 2FA on your NAS storage is a good cybersecurity hygiene practice, and can help prevent a data breach that may lead to devastating financial or other business consequences.

Why Should I Use 2FA?

2FA significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to a breach of your NAS device by raising the bar for access. 2FA/MFA is a very effective authentication method at stopping hackers and ransomware in their tracks when they try to breach your username and password.

Credential theft has been on the rise in recent years and is quickly becoming the top method of security breaches across the globe. With the modern business landscape transitioning to remote work, many businesses are contending with endpoint protection for their employees, especially with increasingly sophisticated social engineering and phishing methods used by cybercriminals. After acquiring the right user credentials, hackers can easily and quickly infiltrate a system to gain access to critical business files such as customer records, financial data, and confidential development information.

With NAS often being used for large scale data storage and backup, targeted ransomware attacks will also continue to be a significant threat against businesses of all sizes. Technology news is often populated with headlines of NAS brands under attack by strains such as DeadBolt and ech0raix. Since ransomware will often brute-force passwords in order to gain access to online accounts, password security is often a significantly successful avenue of attack. Without a proactive security solution in place, a successful ransomware attack can quickly escalate to the point where IT applications and critical data can no longer be recovered, forcing you no choice but to pay the ransom.

An Effortless Extra Layer of Security

Enabling 2FA on a NAS device is quite effortless. You will typically only need to access your account settings and enable the 2FA option. Depending on the NAS, you will use either your mobile phone number or an independent authenticator app to enable receipt of the 2FA verification code. If you have multiple users, you will need to enable 2FA for each separate user, so all NAS access accounts are properly secure.

2FA is available on Buffalo TeraStation 3020, 5020, and 7010 series network-attached storage devices. Click here to learn how to enable 2FA for your Buffalo NAS.

2FA is also available for Buffalo's Remote Management Service to add an extra layer of protection for your device management. Click here to learn how to enable and configure 2FA for your Remote Management Service.

Secure Your Data with Buffalo NAS

Your NAS storage are often critical central data hubs for your business, and will store or back up a lot of sensitive business data. With multiple users accessing NAS through logins, you will need to remain proactive in protecting online account credentials to ensure they are not compromised. Without the security of 2FA protection, a hacker or ransomware only needs to acquire your login credentials in order to gain access to your system or device. Enabling 2FA shuts such an attack avenue down completely.

Buffalo prides itself in providing data storage solutions that offer the security, stability, and simplicity you need so you can store and manage your data with peace of mind. Responsible for many industry firsts and technology standards, Buffalo has four decades of networking and computer peripheral manufacturing and design experience. Contact us today to learn more about our secure network storage solutions and how they can benefit you.