TL;DR
- Over 80% of breaches involve stolen or weak credentials; most could have been prevented with 2FA ([Rublon], [Eftsure])
- Nearly 54% of SMBs worldwide still don't use 2FA, despite the rise of cyberattacks ([Scoop Market], [Expert Insights])
- 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks according to Microsoft ([Eftsure])
- FOSS tools like Nextcloud OTP, Vaultwarden, Aegis and 2FAS enable private, transparent and user-friendly 2FA management
- Self-hosting ensures the confidentiality of your account secrets, with no data collection
1. 2FA: A Now-Essential Barrier
According to Verizon's 2022 report, over 80% of web application breaches are due to compromised credentials, and that figure climbs to 93% for very small businesses ([Rublon]5). Most of these incidents could have been prevented with two-factor authentication (2FA). Microsoft estimates that 2FA, when properly implemented, blocks 99.9% of automated attacks targeting stolen passwords ([Eftsure]2).
2. SMBs: Still Vastly Underprotected
Despite these alarming figures, 54% of SMBs worldwide have not yet adopted 2FA ([Scoop Market]3). In North America, adoption rates are better (up to 89% in the United States), but they remain below 35% in the rest of the world ([Expert Insights]4). This lag exposes small businesses to major risks, especially since the majority of cyberattacks now target SMBs.
3. FOSS Tools: Managing 2FA with Confidence
Open source (FOSS) solutions enable SMBs to implement 2FA without relying on external services or exposing their secrets to third parties:
- Nextcloud OTP: a two-factor authentication (TOTP) module integrated into Nextcloud, compatible with free mobile apps (Aegis, 2FAS).
- Vaultwarden: an open source password manager compatible with Bitwarden, supporting secure storage of 2FA tokens and hardware key usage.
- Aegis (Android) and 2FAS (Android/iOS): free apps for generating your 2FA codes, offering local encryption and secure export of secrets.
Self-hosting these tools ensures that your data and authentication secrets remain under your exclusive control.
4. Best Practices for Enhanced Security
- Prioritize hardware methods (FIDO2 keys, YubiKey) for sensitive access
- Train your teams on using 2FA and managing recovery codes
- Regularly audit access and enabled authentication methods
- Deploy 2FA gradually, starting with critical services
Blue Fox's Take
2FA is no longer optional: it is the foundation of modern cybersecurity, especially for SMBs. With the right open source tools, you can protect your access without sacrificing confidentiality or simplicity. Blue Fox helps your SMB implement tailored, robust and transparent 2FA solutions.
#2FA #OpenSource #Cybersecurity #QuebecSMB #Vaultwarden #Nextcloud
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