Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification steps to access an account, system, or application.
By combining multiple authentication methods, MFA provides additional levels of security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access. From biometrics to hardware tokens, there are numerous different MFA methods, making the topic somewhat confusing.
Our cybersecurity team has created this helpful guide explaining how MFA works, its various methods, and the benefits of additional authentication factors. Read on to get the inside track on using MFA to strengthen access management and safeguard your organization from cybercriminals.
Why is MFA Important?
Over 1 billion records were stolen in 2024, and with the continual rise in cybercrime, protecting your assets has never been more critical.
Traditional authentication methods, using a username and password, are vulnerable to a host of cyberattacks, including:
- Brute force attacks: Automated attempts to guess passwords by trying numerous combinations.
- Credential stuffing: Using stolen or leaked credentials to access other accounts.
- Phishing attacks: Tricking users into revealing their login details or other sensitive information.
- Keylogging: Capturing keystrokes to steal passwords.
- Man-in-the-Middle attacks: Intercepting communications to steal credentials.
As you can see, hackers can exploit passwords in several ways, especially if they are weak or reused. However, MFA helps prevent these attacks by requiring you to provide more than just a password to log in successfully.
Even if a hacker obtains one authentication factor, they need additional verification to gain access to your information.
MFA is a core component of a strong identity and access management (IAM), an essential policy that governs access control across organizations.
How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?
Authentication refers to the process of verifying a user’s identity. In many cases, this is achieved with a username and password—a method known as single-factor authentication.
However, single-factor security doesn’t adequately protect you in a modern cyber world, where over 350 million users fell victim to hacking in 2023 alone.
A multi-factor authentication system adds extra layers to the verification process by requiring you to provide multiple authentication factors (at least two). These additional verifications include:
- Something you know: This is knowledge-based. Think PIN, password, or answers to security questions.
- Something you have: This refers to a physical item in your possession, such as a security token, smartphone, or smart card. For example, you might receive a one-time passcode via SMS or email that you must enter to proceed.
- Something you are: This is biometric data, like facial recognition, fingerprints, or your retina.
To successfully authenticate, you must present at least two of these factors. For instance, you might need to enter your PIN (something you know) and confirm your identity via an OTP sent to your smartphone (something you have).
MFA Authentication Methods
Let’s look at the main MFA methods.
One-Time Passwords (OTP)
This One-Time Password is the temporary code (4-8 digits) you receive via SMS or email from the provider to verify your login. The code is one-time because it expires after a short interval.
SMS OTPs are widely used but can be compromised by weak network security.
Authenticator apps
Authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator generate OTPs that users enter during the login process. After inputting your password, you open the authentication app on your device to retrieve the OTP.
The code refreshes every 30–60 seconds and becomes unusable after expiry.
Because the apps work offline, they mitigate risks like SIM-swapping attacks that can compromise SMSs.
Knowledge-based
The most well-known example here is the security question. This involves storing the answer to a personal question (e.g. your mother’s maiden name) in your profile. You enter it when prompted during login.
A dynamic security question asks for contextual information, such as a recent financial transaction. The dynamic question is favored more widely today since the “dog’s name” approach is not highly secure.
Biometrics
Biometrics (sometimes called inherence factors) are biological characteristics unique to only the user. The most commonly used verifications are:
- Fingerprints
- Facial recognition
- Eye (iris or retina scan)
Other biometric identifiers are palm vein, hand geometry, and even ear recognition.
Push notifications
Push notifications send a real-time alert to your registered mobile device when a login attempt is detected. You simply tap “approve” or “deny” within the notification to verify the login (or deny the attempt).
Hardware tokens
Hardware tokens are physical devices that generate or store authentication credentials. These can be:
- OTP tokens: Small key fobs or cards that display a time-based authentication code.
- Smart cards: Chip-based cards that store credentials to confirm authenticity.
- USB security keys: Plug-in devices like YubiKey or Google Titan that authenticate you without requiring a password.
Adaptive authentication
Adaptive authentication represents an advance in MFA. It uses contextual information to assess the risk of a login attempt. Based on its assessment, it can dynamically adjust the authentication requirements. If the login seems suspicious, it will prompt additional verification.
In adaptive authentication, the rules are typically adjusted based on variables like:
- Geographical location: For example, to restrict access to your systems based on the user’s location.
- User type/group: Different authentications may apply to different job levels, roles, or departments.
- Application: The idea here is to apply more secure MFA protocols for high-risk applications like financial systems.
- Network information: This entails using network IP information as an authentication factor and denying authentication attempts from unrecognized networks.
- Authentication method: To prioritize more secure methods. For instance, requiring an authenticator app instead of an SMS-based OTP.
Why Is SIEM What is the Difference between MFA and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
The terms multi-factor authentication and two-factor authentication (2FA) are often used interchangeably but there is a crucial difference. 2FA specifically requires two authentication factors while MFA requires two or more.
Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA (every 2FA system is MFA but not every MFA system is 2FA).
Here are examples of each in action:
- 2FA: You log into your email with a password and verify with a one-time code (OTP) sent to your mobile device.
- MFA: You log into a corporate VPN with a password, approve a push notification on your phone, and verify with fingerprint authentication.
Two-step authentication is quicker and more convenient for users but less secure.
- MFA is used in higher security environments like banks, enterprises, and IT systems.
- For general users of email and social media, 2FA is a good way to enhance security.
Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
It’s easy to appreciate the benefits of implementing MFA. These include:
Fortified cyber security
By requiring multiple forms of authentication, MFA makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to breach your defenses. In fact, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, by using MFA, you are 99% less likely to be hacked.
Protection against identity theft
MFA can help safeguard your personal and financial information. It makes it more difficult for criminals to impersonate you because they need more than just a username and password.
Compliance
Many industries are required by law to implement MFA to protect customer data and online accounts. For instance, businesses processing credit card payments must use MFA to comply with PCI DSS regulations.
Improves user trust
Customers feel safer using services with MFA. It builds trust in online platforms, especially in banking, e-commerce, and healthcare.
In turn, when customers trust a company’s security protections, they tend to be more trusting of the organization overall.
Easy to implement and use
Modern MFA solutions are flexible, allowing organizations to choose the MFA methods that work best for them, such as:
- Biometric verification (fingerprint, face ID)
- One-Time Password/code
- Authenticator apps
Additionally, MFA is relatively easy to implement, although some work is required to integrate the multi-factor authentication technology and set up the system.
Easy login
Once MFA is successfully implemented, logins become quick, easy, and secure. Depending on the method, it can be as easy as entering a password and swiftly tapping a fingerprint or entering an OTP.
Cost-effectiveness
MFA doesn’t have to be too expensive, but it does incur a cost. However, this expense should be seen as an investment. If it prevents costly, damaging network attacks, it more than pays for itself.
Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Acrisure Cyber?
Acrisure Cyber’s managed cybersecurity services offer the latest enterprise-grade security solutions, including MFA.
Today’s often remote, mobile workforce necessitates easy access to company resources from different locations. This means access control must be quick and convenient. Our clients appreciate our MFA solutions that balance convenient connectivity with strict security safeguards.
When we support your MFA development, you benefit from:
- Customized solutions: As discussed, there are multiple MFA methods. We work with you to assess your needs and develop an MFA approach that works best for you, your team, and your existing infrastructure.
- Advanced authentication options: From biometrics to hardware tokens and authenticator apps, we offer innovative tools to safeguard your most valuable assets.
- User education: We empower your team with training to effectively use MFA and recognize authentication-related threats.
- Compliance support: We ensure your MFA protocols meet industry-specific standards and legal regulations.
With over 21 years of experience in managed security and IT services, Acrisure Cyber is the go-to tech firm for numerous successful organizations across the country.
We have the expertise and resources to keep up with the latest cyber threats and implement proactive measures to protect all your organization’s assets.
FAQs
What are the 3 factors of multi-factor authentication?
MFA uses three main types of authentication factors:
- Something you know (password, PIN, security questions)
- Something you have (smartphone, security token, smart card)
- Something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition, retina scan)
Some advanced multifactor authentication solutions also use behavioral authentication, such as keystroke patterns or your device’s location.
What is the most secure MFA?
The most secure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) methods have the following characteristics:
- Phishing-resistant
- Hardware-based
- Inherent to the user
The following MFA approaches are considered the most secure:
- Hardware security keys: Keys are resistant to phishing, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and malware. Users insert the key to confirm their identity. Additionally, if the key is lost or stolen, it can easily be deactivated. The key alone is useless unless the attacker also has access to the user’s account credentials, such as password/PIN.
- Biometric authentication: The unique physical traits make it virtually impossible to replicate.
- Security key with biometric protection: This combination provides even greater protection because the key only works with biometric authentication.
- Authenticator apps with encrypted OTP: OTPs are most often sent by SMS. However, SMSs can be intercepted, and SIM swapping also compromises their security. Receiving an OTP that refreshes every 30-60 seconds via the app removes these risks.
What is adaptive multi-factor authentication?
Adaptive multi-factor authentication is an MFA system that strengthens security by applying stricter authentication when unusual or suspicious activities are detected.
For example, if a user logs in from a trusted device at a usual time, only a password may be required. If they attempt to log in from a new device or unusual location, an extra verification step (e.g. biometric scan or OTP) is triggered.
Do I need multi-factor authentication?
Yes, multi-factor authentication should be an essential protocol for protecting your systems and information. Exploiting compromised passwords is one of the most common ways hackers and identity thieves steal your data, identity, or money.
MFA is a straightforward, user-friendly way to create an extra security barrier on top of your password, making it much harder for criminals to access your accounts.