Xero is making Multi-factor authentication (MFA) mandatory for New Zealand customers in 2021

As more people around the world embrace digital technologies, the number of cyber-attacks continues to increase. One of the most common types of cybercrime is phishing, designed to access your online accounts and steal your personal and business information. Xero are custodians of your data and take that responsibility very seriously. To continue to keep your Xero account secure, Xero are making Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) mandatory for all Xero customers globally in the year ahead.

What is MFA?

MFA is a log in verification process that goes beyond typing in your username and password. It gives you access to your account using something you know (your username and password) and something you have (your mobile device or computer). Think of it like putting an additional bolt on the door. It’s a small but important thing that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your account, because it’s much harder to steal something you know and something you have. In fact, research shows that MFA can prevent up to 80% of data breaches. The beauty of using your phone as an authentication method is that it’s always with you, which means you can still access your Xero account anywhere, at any time.

How do I use MFA?

To give you fast, easy, and secure access to your Xero account using MFA, Xero have created their own authenticator app called Xero Verify. Xero Verify is now available free of charge in the Apple and Google app stores. It only takes a few minutes to set up and sends a push notification to your phone when you log in, so you can just tap and go.

Where can I find more information?

For more information about the Xero Verify app you check out the details here:

https://apps.apple.com/app/id1510862201

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xero.authenticator&hl=en_NZ&gl=US

For more information about MFA click here:

https://central.xero.com/s/article/Multi-factor-authentication-explained