National Payroll Week: Protecting Pay Starts with Protecting Access
When we think about payroll, we often think about ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. But in today's increasingly digital workplace, protecting payroll information is just as important as processing it.
As part of National Payroll Week, we're highlighting a simple step employees can take to help keep their personal and payroll information secure: switching to App-Based Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for iTrent Employee Self-Service (ESS).
Why Payroll Security Matters
Employee Self-Service systems contain some of the most sensitive information an organisation holds. From payroll records and personal details to bank account information, these systems provide access to data that must be carefully protected.
Cyber criminals continue to target online accounts, and one of the most common ways they gain access is through compromised email accounts. If an employee's email account is breached, any security codes sent via email could potentially be intercepted, increasing the risk of unauthorised access to payroll information.
In some cases, fraudsters have successfully changed bank account details after gaining access to employee accounts, resulting in salary payments being diverted. Situations like these can cause significant stress for employees and create additional administrative and financial challenges for employers.
A Stronger Layer of Protection
Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity before accessing their account.
While both email-based and app-based MFA provide enhanced protection compared to passwords alone, authentication apps offer a more secure and resilient solution.
Using an authentication app means verification takes place through a dedicated application on a trusted device, reducing reliance on email and making it significantly harder for cyber criminals to gain unauthorised access.
The Benefits of App-Based MFA
Enhanced Security
Authentication apps provide stronger protection against cyber threats and help safeguard sensitive employee information from unauthorised access.
Better Protection for Payroll Information
Payroll data, personal records and bank details remain better protected when access is secured through app-based authentication.
Faster Access
Users can approve login requests instantly on their mobile device without waiting for an email verification code to arrive, creating a quicker and more convenient login experience.
Supporting Good Cyber Security Practice
App-based authentication aligns with recognised cyber security best practice and is widely recommended as one of the most effective methods of protecting online accounts.
Looking Ahead
HR Connect currently supports two MFA options for iTrent ESS: email-based authentication and app-based authentication. We will be moving to App-Based MFA as the standard method, which means access will move to app-only authentication in the future. Further details on implementation timelines will be shared in due course, but we are encouraging employees who currently use Email MFA to make the switch now.
Taking action early means employees can familiarise themselves with the process and benefit immediately from enhanced security.
How to Switch to App-Based MFA
Moving to App-Based MFA is straightforward:
National Payroll Week Takeaway
National Payroll Week is about recognising the importance of payroll professionals and the services that ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. It's also a reminder that payroll protection is everyone's responsibility.
By adopting App-Based MFA, employees can help protect their personal information, reduce the risk of payroll-related fraud, and enjoy a faster, more secure experience when accessing Employee Self-Service.
A small change today can make a big difference to protecting your pay tomorrow.
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