Multi-factor authentication is one of the most effective tools an organisation can implement to stop the wrong people from gaining access to their data or sensitive information. Using multi-factor authentication can make it significantly more difficult for any network credentials to be used and can limit hacker’s ability to gain access to a user's account.
The definition of Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is “a method of authentication that uses two or more factors to authenticate a single logon”. MFA should be implemented for items like remote access solutions, website logins, bank app log on, and email verification. By using multi-factor authentication, you are putting another barrier in front of your important data.
There are frequent attempts to steal legitimate user or administrative credentials that hackers can then use to conduct malicious activities. Multi-factor authentication is an essential step that organisations should take to minimise security vulnerabilities and to avoid a false sense of security that could leave a network vulnerable. Multi-factor authentication is highly effective and therefore, is considered an essential step to helping prevent cybersecurity incidents.
Multi-factor authentication involves the use of a password, or better yet a passphrase, in addition to one of the multi-factor authentication methods such as biometrics (fingerprint or Face ID), SMS, mobile app verification, or less common software security certificates.
As mentioned above, there are a variety of different Multi-factor authentication methods. Not all forms are created equal, and at times, some are more effective than others. One important note is to make sure you set up a failsafe when configuring MFA. An example of this is when the Face ID does not work; the system can send you an SMS to act as the second factor of authentication.
Multi-factor authentication is a must. Why? Stronger user authentication makes it harder for adversaries to access sensitive information and systems.
