The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Secure your work accounts by enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) through your employer’s approved setup process, choosing the strongest method your organization supports, and preparing a safe backup before you lose access to an authenticator. Prioritize work email, remote access, file storage, administrator accounts, and accounts that contain sensitive information.
Start with your organization’s setup instructions
Ask your IT team or identity provider how to enroll. Work accounts may use organization-specific sign-in settings, and consumer instructions for a similarly named service may not apply. MFA may also appear in the settings as “two-factor authentication” or “two-step authentication.”
Use your organization’s process to enable MFA on the work systems you use, including email, remote access, and file storage. CISA advises businesses to prioritize administrative access and accounts used to handle sensitive information. CISA’s business MFA guidance outlines this approach.
Choose the strongest method your workplace supports
Methods differ in how well they resist phishing and other attacks. CISA recommends phishing-resistant MFA and lists these business options in descending order of preference:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Method | What to know |
|---|---|
| Physical security key | A security key using FIDO/WebAuthn is CISA’s recommended target where supported. Check with IT that your account and devices support the key before buying one; compatibility is not universal. |
| Authenticator-app number matching | Enter or select the number shown during sign-in in the authenticator app. CISA describes number matching as an improvement over ordinary push approvals when phishing-resistant MFA is not yet available. |
| Authenticator-app one-time code | Enter a time-limited code from an approved authenticator app. This is listed below number matching in CISA’s recommendations. |
| Biometrics | Biometric checks are usually used alongside another method, rather than as a standalone second factor. |
| Text or email code | CISA lists these among the weakest options. Use them if that is what your organization supports, and ask IT whether a stronger method is available. |
Employers determine which options can be enrolled, so confirm support and policy before purchasing a hardware key or choosing an app. See CISA’s business guidance and its phishing-resistant MFA fact sheet.
Know what MFA protects against
MFA requires two or more different authenticators—something you know, have, or are—to verify a login, as CISA defines it in its October 2022 fact sheet. If an attacker has only stolen your password, a separate authenticator can help prevent that password alone from granting access.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
MFA is not equally resistant to every attack. Depending on the method, risks can include phishing, repeated push requests intended to pressure someone into approving a sign-in, exploitation of weaknesses in mobile networks (SS7), or SIM swapping. FIDO/WebAuthn is designed to prevent authentication to a fake website; not every MFA option provides that protection. CISA discusses these differences in its phishing-resistant MFA fact sheet.
Set up recovery before you need it
If your employer permits it, register a second authenticator so that losing one does not automatically leave you unable to sign in. Follow IT’s instructions for adding, storing, and testing a backup method. Do not create an unapproved workaround or weaken account security to make recovery easier.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If an authenticator is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it through your organization’s process so IT can deactivate it and help you replace it. Treat account recovery as a security-sensitive step: an attacker may try to exploit recovery procedures to get around strong MFA. CISA addresses recovery and hybrid identity in its cloud business applications guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use MFA across work, not just personal accounts
CISA notes that regular MFA users are more likely to protect banking and financial accounts than work or social media accounts. Its cited excerpt does not provide a percentage or survey year, so the finding should not be read as a quantified estimate. For employees, the practical point is to check work services explicitly instead of assuming MFA is already enabled everywhere.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For a plain-language overview of enabling MFA, see CISA’s “Turn On MFA” guidance. For any employer-managed system, use the organization’s designated enrollment and recovery procedures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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