Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become increasingly important in today’s world where cybercrime and data breaches are on the rise. MFA involves adding additional factors beyond traditional credentials to secure authorisation.
This adds an extra layer of security to ensure that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information or systems. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about multi-factor authentication.
MFA Techniques
MFA techniques generally come from three categories: something the person knows, something they have, or something they are. Ideally, each level of authentication comes from a different category than the one before. Some examples of MFA techniques include:
- Something you know: This could be a password, a security question, or a PIN number.
- Something you have: This could be a physical token such as a smart card or a mobile device that generates a one-time password (OTP).
- Something you are: This includes biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
In addition to these three categories, the time and location of access can also be used as a factor for authentication.
Difference Between MFA and Two-Factor Authentication
When discussing MFA, it’s important to keep in mind that MFA encompasses the dated term “Two-Factor Authentication.” Two-factor authentication was used at the outset of the use of MFA when most organisations were only adding one more factor to their security. However, the mainstream term has moved toward “multi-factor authentication” because more companies have consistently added biometrics, location, and/or time as a third factor.
Authentication vs. Authorisation
Authentication is the process of verifying somebody’s identity, while authorisation is verifying that someone has access to a file, data, etc. Authentication always comes before authorisation. Before a security guard lets somebody into a building, they would want to confirm the person’s identity. Once the person authenticates, the guard can authorise entry. To determine whether someone is authorised to view a piece of data, access controls are leveraged. Once access controls are in place, authentication is used to ensure that the user is identified.
Kinds of Multi-Factor Authentication
There are three main types of categories for authentication factors: what the user knows, has, and is. There are also new factors in play, such as where the user is and when they are trying to log in. Here’s a closer look at each category:
Things You Know: Passwords and security questions fall under this category. However, passwords can be easily cracked, and security questions are subject to the same types of attacks.
Things You Have: Tokens and one-time passwords generated by mobile devices are examples of something you have. These add a layer of security beyond what the user knows.
Things You Are/Biometrics: Biometrics are the use of human characteristics that authorise access. This includes fingerprints, facial recognition, and voice authentication. Behavioral analysis is also used to confirm identity based on the way the user behaves.
Time and Location: The time and location of access can also be used as a factor for authentication. Cybersecurity providers will stop an account from authenticating in two physically impossible distances within an unreasonable amount of time.
Why Use Multi-Factor Authentication?
Enabling MFA is easy and adds an extra layer of security to protect against cyber theft. Billions of credentials are stolen over time, and breaking passwords is easy. Additionally, phishing emails are one of the most successful cyberattacks and do not even involve cracking a password. By adding a second authentication factor, bad actors who steal a credential will run into a second barrier. Remote employees using non-corporate or unmanaged devices can also cause a threat, making MFA even more important.
Limits of Multi-Factor Authentication
There are limitations to MFA. For example, it may not be suitable for every organisation, as it can be complex and costly to implement. Additionally, MFA may cause some delays in accessing systems and data, which can be a source of frustration for users.
Moreover, there is always the risk of human error when it comes to MFA. For instance, users may forget their secondary authentication factor, lose their hardware token, or misplace their phone. This can lead to lockouts, which can have serious consequences if the user needs access to critical systems or data.
Despite these limitations, MFA remains an essential tool for improving security and reducing the risk of cyber attacks. With the increasing number of data breaches and cyber attacks, it is more important than ever to protect sensitive data and systems with MFA.
In conclusion, MFA is a critical security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to traditional authentication methods. By combining two or more authentication factors, MFA can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. However, organisations need to be aware of the limitations and potential pitfalls of MFA and take appropriate steps to mitigate them. By doing so, they can ensure that their data and systems are secure, and their users are protected from cyber threats.
If you’re looking for support with IT Support in Huddersfield, Stephensons has you covered. We offer a number of cybersecurity features for your small business – reach out today for a free consultation.