Government Advisory

Switch On Multi-Factor Authentication: A Simple Step That Blocks Most Cyber Attacks

ACSC · 1 Sept 2026

Key Takeaway Enable multi-factor authentication on all your business email, banking, and cloud accounts today—it's free, quick, and blocks the majority of account takeover attempts.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is calling on businesses and individuals to switch on multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a key step in reducing the risk of cyber compromise. MFA adds an extra layer of verification beyond just a username and password, making it much harder for criminals to access accounts even if login credentials have been stolen or guessed.

Many cyberattacks succeed simply because a password was weak, reused, or exposed in a data breach. MFA closes this gap by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a phone or generated by an authentication app, before access is granted. This means that even if attackers obtain a password, they still cannot get into the account without that second factor.

For small businesses, enabling MFA across email, banking, cloud storage, and other critical accounts is one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen cybersecurity. Most major platforms, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and banking services, offer free MFA options that can be turned on in minutes.

MFA account security ACSC small business cybersecurity password protection

Summarised by CISO AI from ACSC. We link back to every original so you can read it yourself.