--- title: Securing Your FOCUS Application description: Learn how to secure your FOCUS application with modern authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication and role-based access control. image: https://focuscbmsystems.com/hubfs/Microsoft%20Image%20showing%20process%20of%20MFA.png --- [![FOCUS WHITE LOGO White Test 2](https://focuscbmsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FOCUS%20WHITE%20LOGO%20White%20Test%202.png?width=6175&height=1846&name=FOCUS%20WHITE%20LOGO%20White%20Test%202.png "FOCUS WHITE LOGO White Test 2")](https://focuscbmsystems.com) - [Our Promise](https://focuscbmsystems.com/our-promise) - [Blog](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog) - [User Reviews](https://focuscbmsystems.com/focus-user-reviews) - [Open Support Ticket](https://focuscbmsystems.com/contact-support) [CONTACT US](https://focuscbmsystems.com/contact-us) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Securing Your FOCUS Application ![Jennifer Erena](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/419a6b039d6fd3426adeae539fc242e9) [Jennifer Erena](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/author/jennifer-erena) Apr 21, 2026, 11:53:52 AM - [USER RESOURCES](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/tag/user-resources) Learn what Authentication & Authorization means to secure  your FOCUS application.  Also watch step by step how to setup MFA. ## What is Authentication? When you try to use an app, authentication answers this question: > **“Are you really the person you say you are?”**   Think of an app like a locked house: - **You** → the user - **Password or code** → the key - **Door unlocking** → successful authentication ### Common ways apps authenticate users - **Username and password** – the most familiar method - **One-time codes (OTP)** – sent by text/email or generated by an app - **Biometrics** – fingerprint or face recognition - **Sign in with Google/Microsoft/Apple** – another trusted service confirms who you are - **Tokens or keys** (for apps talking to other apps) – secret digital credentials FOCUS supports modern authentication methods including username/password with strong password policies, multi factor authentication (MFA), and integration with Microsoft Entra for enterprise identity management.  We use secure credential handling and avoid storing sensitive credentials in application code or configuration files. ### What is MFA? Multifactor authentication works by requiring two or more of the following authentication methods: - **Something you know**, typically a **password**. - **Something you have**, such as a trusted device that's not easily duplicated, like a **phone** or hardware key. - **Something you are** - biometrics like a fingerprint or **face scan**. ## Authorization **Authorization** is how an app decides **what you’re allowed to do** after you’re signed in. Once an app knows **who you are (authentication)**, authorization answers this question: > **“What can this user access or perform?”** Think of an office building: - **Authentication** → showing your ID to enter the building - **Authorization** → which rooms your badge lets you enter ### How apps do authorization Apps usually base authorization on: - **Roles** (admin, user, manager) - **Permissions** (read, write, delete) - **Rules** (time, location, ownership) You might get inside, but only authorized people can access certain offices.   FOCUS enforces role-based access control (RBAC) at both the application and data layers. Permissions are explicitly defined and agencies should review them under Administration \> Roles to ensure users only have access required for their job functions. Administrative privileges are limited and audited.   ## How to setup multi-factor authentication.   ## Read On ##### [The Cost of Compliance Gaps for Medicaid Waiver Providers](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/the-cost-of-compliance-gaps-for-medicaid-waiver-providers) When most people hear the word "compliance," they think about regulations, audits, and paperwork. [![New FOCUS Compliance Business Management logo and name ](https://focuscbmsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Owner%20+%20New%20Vision%20=%20Innovation.png?width=352&name=New%20Owner%20+%20New%20Vision%20=%20Innovation.png)](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/new-owner-new-vision-innovation) ##### [New Owner + New Vision = Innovation](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/new-owner-new-vision-innovation) The equation "new owner + new vision = innovation" can be an exciting prospect, especially in the... ##### [Audit Readiness Is Not an Event. It's a Process.](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/audit-readiness-is-not-an-event-its-a-process) If you've ever received an audit notice, you know the feeling. [![FOCUS WHITE LOGO White Test 2](https://focuscbmsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FOCUS%20WHITE%20LOGO%20White%20Test%202.png?width=6175&height=1846&name=FOCUS%20WHITE%20LOGO%20White%20Test%202.png "FOCUS WHITE LOGO White Test 2")](https://focuscbmsystems.com) Compliance Business Management ###### MENU - [BLOG](https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog) - [CONTACT US](https://focuscbmsystems.com/contact-us) - [GET SUPPORT](https://focuscbmsystems.com/contact-support) ###### See How We Can Change Your Business - [CONTACT US](https://focuscbmsystems.com/contact-us) [+1 (859) 715-0635](tel:+18593273331) Book a Meeting sales@focuscbmsystems.com --- [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/focuscbmsystems) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/focus-cbm-app) © 2026 All rights reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer Erena", "url" : "https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/author/jennifer-erena" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-22T13:46:59.363Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-21T15:53:52.000Z", "headline" : "Securing Your FOCUS Application", "image" : [ "https://focuscbmsystems.com/hubfs/Microsoft%20Image%20showing%20process%20of%20MFA.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://focuscbmsystems.com/blog/mfa", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://focuscbmsystems.com/hubfs/FOCUS%20LOGO.png" }, "name" : "FOCUS CBM Systems" } } ```