Why Multi-Factor Authentication is Essential for Account Security

Protect your business and client data from unauthorized access with multi-factor authentication—a critical security layer that goes beyond passwords.

As a business owner, you often wear every hat—from lead instructor to chief accountant. You spend your days building trust with your clients, and we know that protecting that trust is not only your top priority, but your key to success. Because of these reasons and the fact that your client management system is the heart of business operations, we are introducing an extra layer of security to your Pike13 experience: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Why Security Matters More Than Ever

When you’re in the middle of a midday rush or prep for a big event, "digital security" might feel like a big-picture hindrance. But in a world where a discovered password shouldn't be the only thing standing between an intruder and your business data, MFA is your new best friend. It ensures that even if someone gets hold of a password, they won’t be able to access your account without a second form of verification.

The reality is that traditional password-only security is no longer sufficient. Cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated, using new techniques and technologies to gain unauthorized access. In fact, recent studies show that over 40% of cyberattacks target small businesses, which often lack the robust security infrastructure of larger enterprises. For enrollment-based businesses like fitness studios, music schools, and dance academies, the stakes are particularly high—one compromised password could expose your entire client database that contains sensitive personal information, payment details, family account data, and financial records.

What This Means for Your Team

We’ve designed this rollout to be as seamless as possible so you can stay focused on your clients:

• For Staff Members: MFA will eventually be required for all owners and staff to ensure the highest level of account protection for business operations.

• The Transition Period: We know you're busy. Most staff members will see a "Skip for Now" option at launch, letting you bypass setup during a rush and return to it when you have a quiet moment.

  • Note: Some users with high-level permissions may be required to set it up immediately for security reasons. You must set it up to access the site.

• For Your Clients: MFA remains optional. Your clients can choose to enable it for their own peace of mind, but it isn't a requirement for them to book their favorite classes.

How It Works: Your Choice of Verification

When you’re ready to set up, you can choose the method that fits your workflow best:

1. Authenticator App (Recommended): Use your favorite app like Google Authenticator, Okta Verify, or Microsoft Authenticator to generate a secure, time-sensitive code.

2. Email Verification: Get a 6-digit code sent directly to the email address on your Pike13 profile.

Your Only To-Do Item: Audit Your Staff Emails

To make this transition smooth, there is one critical step you should take today: ensure every staff member has a valid, accessible email address in their Pike13 profile.

If a staff member is using an old or "dummy" email, they could find themselves locked out once MFA becomes mandatory. Now is the perfect time to clean up your staff list and ensure everyone’s contact info is up to date. If someone does get stuck, don’t worry—anyone with profile edit permissions can update the email address to get them back in.

Growing With Confidence

At Pike13, we’re committed to providing the tools you need to grow your business safely. Security isn’t just about code, it’s about preserving the trust you’ve built through your business. MFA is just one more way we’re helping you protect what you’ve built and stay one step ahead of cyber threats, leaving our wonderful business owners to focus on the passion that drives them.

For more information on MFA, check out our help article here.