MFA or Bust: Why Biotech Teams Can't Afford to Skip Multi-Factor Authentication
In the biotech world, data isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. Your company’s email inboxes, document portals, financial systems, and communications tools all hold sensitive information tied to your science, your people, and your IP.
And if you’re not using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect those systems? — You’re leaving the door wide open.
What Is MFA, and Why Should You Care?
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) means logging in with more than just a password. Typically, it requires:
Something you know – like your password.
Something you have – like a phone app (e.g., Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator).
Sometimes, something you are – like a fingerprint or face scan.
Even if someone guesses or steals your password, MFA makes it way harder for them to get into your account.
Why MFA Is Especially Critical in Biotech
Biotech companies work with:
Proprietary research data
Regulatory communications
Intellectual property
Clinical partner and patient-related documents
Financial information
That’s not just business-critical—it’s compliance-critical. And in many cases, it’s legally protected (think HIPAA, GDPR, and FDA-related regulations). A single compromised email account could expose sensitive info or disrupt your operations during a key trial phase or investor round.
Real-World Risks (a.k.a. Nightmares We Try to Prevent)
Email spoofing and phishing: If someone gains access to an executive’s inbox, they can request wire transfers or send out harmful links in your name.
Ransomware: Without MFA, attackers can more easily access accounts and lock you out of your own systems.
Compliance violations: Unauthorized access to documents or communications can put you at risk with regulators and trial partners.
Reputation damage: It only takes one breach to lose trust with funders, partners, or collaborators.
Where to Use MFA Immediately
Don’t stop at just your email—MFA should be turned on everywhere possible:
Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace
File-sharing platforms (SharePoint, Box, Dropbox)
CRM and accounting systems
HR and payroll platforms
Any portal with access to regulatory documents, patient data, or internal R&D
Even better? Set up Single Sign-On (SSO) with MFA baked in so your team can securely access multiple systems through one protected login.
What We Recommend to Clients
Make MFA mandatory for all employees, consultants, and collaborators.
Use an authenticator app, not just SMS (SIM swapping is a thing!).
Audit user access regularly and remove logins that are no longer needed.
Train your team to recognize phishing attempts (the most common attack vector, even with MFA).
Set up alerts for unusual login activity or failed MFA attempts.
Need Help Setting It Up?
We work with biotech teams to lock down their digital environments without disrupting day-to-day operations. From setting up MFA across your ecosystem to rolling out clear policies and training, we’ve got your back.
If you’re not sure your systems are secure—or if you’ve got MFA half-implemented and half-forgotten—we’ll help you close the loop.
Let’s keep your science protected.
