Why You Must Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for QuickBooks Online
Is Your QuickBooks Online Account Secure?
If you use QuickBooks Online (QBO) to manage your business finances, security should be a top priority. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal financial data, and a simple password is no longer enough to protect your account.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to access your QuickBooks account—even if they steal your password.
The Risks of Not Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication
Without MFA, your business is vulnerable to:
- Unauthorized access – If someone steals your password, they can log in without restriction.
- Financial data theft – Hackers can access bank records, invoices, tax documents, and payroll information.
- Fraudulent transactions – Criminals can manipulate invoices, change payment details, and create fake transactions.
- Account lockouts – If an attacker gains control of your account, they can change your login details and lock you out.
- Compliance risks – A security breach could expose sensitive employee and client data, leading to legal and financial consequences.
MFA significantly reduces these risks by requiring a second verification step before granting access to your account.
How Multi-Factor Authentication Protects Your QuickBooks Account
With MFA enabled, QuickBooks will prompt you for two types of verification when logging in:
- Your password – The first layer of security.
- A one-time security code – Sent to your phone, email, or authentication app.
Even if someone has your password, they cannot access your account without the additional verification code.
How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication in QuickBooks Online
Follow these steps to enable MFA and secure your QuickBooks account:
1. Log in to QuickBooks Online
- Go to QuickBooks Online and enter your credentials.
2. Access Your Security Settings
- Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Manage your Intuit Account from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to Sign-in & Security and find the 2-Step Verification option.
3. Choose Your Preferred Verification Method
- Text Message (SMS) – A code is sent to your mobile phone.
- Authenticator App – Use Google Authenticator or Authy for extra security.
- Email Verification – A code is sent to your registered email address.
4. Verify and Save
- QuickBooks will send a test verification code. Enter it to confirm MFA setup.
- Click Save to apply the changes.
5. Log Out and Test MFA
- Sign out of QuickBooks and try logging in again to ensure everything is working correctly.
Additional Security Tips for QuickBooks Users
To further protect your QuickBooks Online account:
- Use strong, unique passwords – Avoid common phrases. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable account alerts – Set up notifications for login attempts and changes to your account.
- Limit user access – Only give access to employees who need it, and assign the correct roles.
- Keep software updated – Always use the latest version of QuickBooks and connected apps.
Take Action Today
Cyber threats are not going away, but you can protect your financial data by enabling multi-factor authentication in QuickBooks Online.
At AdminBooks, we prioritize security for our clients and highly recommend setting up MFA. It only takes a few minutes but could save you from a costly security breach.
Have you enabled MFA on your QuickBooks account yet? If not, follow the steps above to secure your account today.
