Microsoft’s Mandatory MFA Requirement: What You Need to Know Before 15 October 2024

As an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) owner, I’ve seen the world of cybersecurity evolve rapidly over the years, and one of the most significant changes is just around the corner. Microsoft has announced that starting on 15 October 2024, multifactor authentication (MFA) will be mandatory for all accounts accessing the Azure portal, Microsoft Entra admin centre, and Intune admin centre. Now, while this might sound like just another box to tick off, it’s actually a pretty big deal – especially for those of us who manage IT environments.

What’s Changing?

Microsoft has made it clear: MFA is no longer optional. If you’re a global administrator, you’ve probably already received an email about this. From the 15th of October onwards, all users will be required to use MFA to sign into the key admin centres – and that’s not something you can ignore. If your users aren’t set up with MFA by the deadline, they will be prompted to do so themselves, and let’s face it, that could lead to a bit of chaos if not managed properly.

Why Is This Happening?

You might be wondering, why now? Well, MFA has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to protect against unauthorized access. It adds an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password but also something the user has – like a code from their mobile phone. This makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access, even if they’ve managed to steal a password.

Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated by the day, and Microsoft’s move to enforce MFA is a response to this increasing risk. In essence, they’re trying to protect us from ourselves – because, let’s be honest, not everyone has been quick to adopt this extra security measure.

What Do You Need to Do?

If you haven’t already enabled MFA across your organisation, now’s the time. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get ready:

1. Identify Who Needs MFA: First, take stock of who’s accessing the Azure portal, Microsoft Entra admin centre, and Intune admin centre without MFA. Microsoft has provided documentation to help you figure this out.
2. Enable MFA for All Users: Once you know who needs it, go ahead and enable MFA. The process is straightforward, but if you’re managing a large number of users, it might take a bit of time.
3. Communicate with Your Users: Let your users know what’s happening and why. It’s important they understand the benefits of MFA, as well as the steps they’ll need to take. A little bit of education can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition.
4. Apply for an Extension if Necessary: If you absolutely can’t get everything sorted by the 15th of October, Microsoft does offer the option to postpone the enforcement date. But this should be a last resort – the sooner you get MFA in place, the better.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – there might be some bumps along the way. For instance, users who aren’t particularly tech-savvy might struggle with the MFA setup. To help with this, make sure you provide clear, step-by-step instructions and offer support where needed. You might also want to schedule some time to assist users who are likely to need a bit more hand-holding.

Another potential issue could be pushback from users who see MFA as an inconvenience. In these cases, it’s crucial to emphasise the importance of security in today’s digital landscape. The reality is, a few extra seconds to log in is a small price to pay for keeping company data safe.

Final Thoughts

The deadline of 15 October 2024 might seem far away, but it’s going to creep up faster than you think. Don’t leave this to the last minute – start planning now to ensure a smooth transition. Implementing MFA might require some effort, but it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your business against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

As always, if you’re struggling with any aspect of this change, don’t hesitate to reach out to your IT support provider – that’s what we’re here for. We can guide you through the process, help train your users, and ensure that you’re fully compliant well before the deadline hits.

Stay safe, stay secure, and don’t hesitate to take action. The future of your organisation’s security could very well depend on it.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make sure your transition to MFA is as smooth and painless as possible.

Cheers,

James Scudder
76 Services– Your trusted IT MSP partner