What is multifactor authentication (MFA) and why is it important?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access a system, network or application.

Quite often, it involves connecting to an application, a network or another source without having to rely on a simple username and password combination.

MFA is used to add an extra layer of security to the authentication process, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information or systems. Nowadays, is a rapidly digitally evolving world, and it is becoming a standard to use MFA for almost everyday online activities, from social accounts to work platforms.  Is this really important?

Why should you use MFA multifactor authentication?

There are many benefits to using multifactor authentication, especially given the realities of today’s security landscape and regulations.

 

MFA helps protect from cyber threats

Multi-factor authentication, or strong authentication, is mostly known for providing additional security protection and making it more difficult for an unauthorised person to gain access to a network, systems or database. By implementing a robust MFA solution, your data, network and IT resources can be instantly protected against identity theft, account phishing, malicious activities, account spoofing and many more. As such, all sizes and types of businesses should use MFA to control access to their internal IT systems and solutions, but also for B2C applications.

 

 

 

Today's solution to adapt to the changing workplace

As we are living in the ever-changing technology era, Multifactor Authentication is an excellent way to promote employees’ productivity and mobility. By using MFA, organisations benefit from highly valued flexibility. Staff can work from various locations rather than being tied to the office premises and access corporate files from any chosen location. 

Comply with regulatory constraints with a multi-factor authentication solution

Data regulation is becoming increasingly rigorous, leading to significant compliance issues in data management and protection. MFA can be necessary to comply with regulatory requirements in some industries such as health care or law industries.

 

How does MFA works?

Instead of asking for the traditional “ID + password”, MFA requires the user to provide additional verification information, called “authentication factors”, to ensure that they are who they say they are.

MFA authentication methodology requires a combination of at least 2 factors. Each of them comes from a different category:

• Something they know (knowledge), such as a password, a passphrase or a PIN code
• Something they have (possession), such as a device (smartphone, laptop, etc.), physical tokens, key fobs and smartcards.
• Something they are (inherence), such as a fingerprint, voice or facial recognition, and any other kind of biometrics

As MFA integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), some count new authentication factors including location-based and behaviour-based authentication factors. However, these verification methods are part of what we call “Adaptive MFA”.

 

 

How effective is multi-factor authentication?

According to Microsoft, the MFA blocks more than 99.9% of account compromise attacks. You have probably heard or read that the MFA is a critical component of Zero Trust‘s security. While it is relatively easy to obtain a user’s credentials through attacks such as phishing or credential stuffing, multifactor strong authentication makes it nearly impossible for hackers to obtain the second authentication factor.

 

How to choose the right solution?

It is important for businesses with many customer data files and online accounts, that they implement strong authentication solutions, and take seriously all of the security measures in order to safely maintain their security against cyber threats. What's more important, working with a trusted IT provider can shift your level of security, prevent you from cyber-attacks and deliver 24/7 monitoring. Having an IT team on your side can upscale many functions within your business, therefore contact us to find out more on how we can support your business IT systems and cyber security levels.