When it comes to cybersecurity, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Toronto face the same challenges as global enterprises—but often with fewer resources. One common safeguard against unauthorized access is account lockout in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Configuring this correctly can be the difference between keeping attackers out and frustrating legitimate users. As a trusted MSP in Canada with over 15 years of experience, we’ve seen how fine-tuning these settings helps businesses achieve both security and productivity.
What Is Account Lockout in MFA?
Account lockout is a security feature designed to prevent repeated MFA attempts during an attack. If someone tries to guess or brute-force a PIN during MFA sign-in, the system locks the account after a set number of failed attempts. This lockout only applies to users who sign in using MFA Server on-premises, and it gives administrators an extra layer of control over access.
Available Account Lockout Settings
Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure Active Directory) provides administrators with several customizable parameters:
- Number of MFA denials that trigger account lockout
Define how many incorrect PIN entries are allowed before an account is locked. - Minutes until account lockout counter resets
Set how long the system remembers failed attempts before resetting. - Minutes until account is automatically unblocked
Specify how long the user remains locked out before being able to try again.
These settings help balance protection against brute-force attacks with convenience for legitimate users.
How to Configure Account Lockout in Microsoft Entra
Follow these steps to set up account lockout:
- Sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center as an Authentication Policy Administrator.
- Navigate to: Protection > Multifactor authentication > Account lockout.
(Tip: You may need to select Show more to see the MFA options.) - Enter values that match your organization’s security policies, balancing strictness with usability.
- Save your changes to apply the new settings across your environment.
By tailoring these configurations, you can protect user accounts without adding unnecessary friction.
Benefits of Proper MFA Account Lockout
- Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of brute-force attacks.
- Compliance Support: Meets industry regulations for access management.
- User Experience Control: Prevents attackers from exploiting PIN retries while minimizing lockouts for genuine users.
- Peace of Mind: Helps SMEs maintain strong security without constant manual oversight.
Why Work With a Professional MSP in Canada?
While Microsoft provides the tools, configuring them correctly is critical. That’s where a reliable MSP in Canada like ours comes in. We offer:
- 24/7 IT support to keep your business running smoothly.
- Backup services for servers and Microsoft 365 to safeguard critical data.
- Cybersecurity solutions to defend against evolving threats.
- Managed server and firewall support with unlimited assistance.
- Helpdesk services to resolve issues quickly.
- Web design and SEO to strengthen your digital presence.
- Business continuity planning so you’re prepared for anything.
With over 15 years supporting 80+ SMEs across Toronto, we deliver transparent pricing, honest advice, and solutions tailored to your goals.
Conclusion
Account lockout is more than a technical setting—it’s a key part of your security posture. Configured correctly, it protects against attacks while keeping your team productive. For SMEs, having an expert partner ensures these tools are set up to match your business needs.
👉 Ready to strengthen your IT security and simplify your operations? Contact us today for a free consultation or request a tailored quote for IT support in Toronto.
