Bonita Biira
In today’s business world, cyber fraud isn’t a distant, theoretical threat; it’s already circling your doors, looking for the smallest crack in your defenses. Cybercriminals know exactly where the most valuable data lives: your payroll systems. Employee Social Security numbers. Bank account details. Private HR records. To them, it’s not “sensitive information," it’s a jackpot.
And here’s the truth no one wants to hear: it only takes one successful cyber event to devastate a small or mid-sized business. One intrusion can drain your accounts, shatter your reputation, and trigger legal nightmares that last for years. Some companies never recover.
The only question is, will you be prepared when they target you?
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Two of the most powerful tools for locking down your accounts are passkeys and multi-factor authentication (MFA). While both aim to keep hackers out, they work in different ways, and understanding those differences is key to choosing the right protection for your business.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a modern, password-free login method that uses cryptographic keys stored on your device (like your phone or computer). Instead of remembering a password, you verify your identity with a biometric factor (fingerprint, facial recognition) or a device PIN.
How it works:
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You try to sign in to an account.
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The service sends a request to your device.
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You approve the login by unlocking your device (fingerprint, face scan, or PIN).
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Your device sends a secure cryptographic signature (not your actual biometric data) to confirm it’s you.
Because there’s no password to steal or guess, phishing attempts are far less effective against passkeys.
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra step beyond your username and password. You prove your identity using two or more verification factors, typically something you know (password), something you have (authenticator app, text code, hardware token), or something you are (biometric).
How it works:
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You log in with your username and password.
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You receive a verification request - often a one-time code in an authenticator app or text message.
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You enter the code or approve the prompt to gain access.
Even if your password is stolen, MFA forces attackers to clear another hurdle before they can get in. NOTE: It's recommended to use authenticator apps or hardware tokens rather than SMS-based MFA, as SIM swapping is a common attack.
Passkey vs. MFA Breakdown:
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Click here to download our Passkey vs. MFA Breakdown
Why You Must Act Now
At Dominion Payroll, we know that once a cybercriminal gets into your payroll system, the damage can be instant and irreversible:
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Employees’ bank accounts drained.
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Identities are stolen and sold on the dark web.
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Months, sometimes years, of legal fallout.
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A reputation you’ve built over decades, destroyed overnight.
Cybercrime isn’t slowing down. In fact, attacks targeting payroll and HR systems are skyrocketing. The companies hit hardest are often the ones that assumed “it won’t happen to us.”
That's why our platform supports both passkeys and multi-factor authentication, giving you the flexibility to choose the strongest protection that fits your needs and technology. We also give our clients the ability to choose their preferred security level within our platform, but we strongly recommend enabling the highest security setting to safeguard your employees’ personal information and your business’s most sensitive data.
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If you need assistance adjusting your security settings, contact us at customerservice@dominionpayroll.com
and we’ll ensure your account is set up for maximum protection.
No matter which method you choose, the most dangerous decision is to do nothing. Cyber fraud attempts are relentless, and once a criminal gains access to your payroll system, the damage can be swift and irreversible.
Protect Your People. Protect Your Data:
Visit Dominion Payroll's NEW Cybersecurity Center to learn how to strengthen your defenses and keep your sensitive payroll and HR information safe from today's cyber threats.
