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An Introduction to Multi-Factor Authentication
- Vrinda Mathur
- Oct 20, 2022
Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, an online account, or a VPN.
MFA is an essential component of an effective identity and access management (IAM) policy. MFA requires one or more additional verification factors, rather than just a username and password, which reduces the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication is a security technology that requires at least two authentication methods from different types of credentials to validate a user's identity for a login or other transaction.
To gain access, users must provide information about what they know (such as a password), what they have (such as a security token), and what they are (i.e. facial recognition).
Currently, nearly 60% of businesses around the world use some form of multi-factor authentication.
The primary goal of MFA is to create multiple layers of defense to make it more difficult for unauthorized personnel to access a target—location, computer/system, network, or database.
Previously, multi-factor authentication systems were primarily based on two-factor authentication (TFA), which requires two layers of authentication before any action is authorized. A password or PIN (personal identification number) on an ATM is one example.
TFA, on the other hand, proved ineffective as hackers discovered ways to access passwords and PINs, prompting companies and vendors to seek out stronger security measures.
Recently, the term "multi-factor authentication" has been used to describe any authentication process that requires two or more credentials.
A time-based one-time password is a more secure way to complete multi-factor authentication (TOTP). A TOTP is a temporary passcode generated by an algorithm that will expire if not used within a certain time period. Users use this method by installing an authenticator app, such as those available from Google or Microsoft, on a trusted device. These apps will then generate a TOTP, which users must manually enter in order to complete the login process.
Why is Multi-Factor Authentication Important?
Maintaining strong and complex passwords may appear simple in theory, but in training, most users prefer easy-to-remember passwords. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an excellent way to overcome users' resistance to using strong passwords while still ensuring adequate cybersecurity standard
Despite the fact that most businesses now use much stronger cybersecurity than they did ten years ago, our society is still a long way from being impenetrable.
Some industry experts believe we will never be able to prevent all breaches completely. The reasons for this vary, but the most logical explanation is that technology is constantly evolving. With each new invention, we open another door for cybercriminals to enter.
Every new technological convenience is another potential vulnerability just waiting to be exploited.
While implementing a specific cybersecurity solution on an ad hoc basis can help increase defensive capabilities, this approach is generally insufficient. Poor password management is at the heart of many cybersecurity flaws.
Due to the obvious growing number and severity of cyber-attacks, as well as the rising costs associated with them, most insurers have been forced to more closely examine the security policies and procedures that their insureds have in place. Implementing MFA has proven to be extremely effective in combating cyber-attacks in the past, and as a result, cyber insurers have begun requiring organizations to implement MFA in order to receive coverage.
Obtaining cyber coverage without MFA is extremely difficult, and without it, your company will most likely have fewer coverage options. Many underwriting partners will not even consider applicants who have not implemented some form of MFA on their devices, as it has become a standard part of the cyber insurance application. Proactively preparing for this is critical in order to obtain the best coverage on the market
Furthermore, ongoing password management can aid in preventing unauthorized attackers from gaining access to your organization's password-protected data. Effective password management safeguards an organization's password integrity, availability, and confidentiality.
Above all, you should develop a password policy that outlines all of the organization's password management requirements. Employees should be required to change their passwords on a regular basis, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and use special characters in their passwords under this policy.
Also Read | What are Cyber-Physical Systems?
Types of Multi-Factor Authentication:
The following are the various types of multi-factor authentication:
Types of Multi-Factor Authentication
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Biometric Authentication:
Biometric technologies are a type of authentication that uses mobile devices to precisely and quickly authenticate users. Fingerprint scanning and face recognition are two common biometric modalities.
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Behavioral biometrics:
They support an invisible layer of security by frequently authenticating an individual based on the specific ways they connect with their computer or mobile device, such as keystrokes, swipe patterns, mouse movements, and so on, which are also included in biometric authentication.
Mobile authentication is the process of verifying a user via their Android or iOS device or verifying the device itself. This technology allows users to log in to secure areas and access resources from anywhere while maintaining increased security.
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Hardware tokens:
They are small, simple-to-use devices that an owner transfers to authorize access to a network service. It can provide strong authentication with one-time passcodes (OTPs), physical tokens support a possession element for multi-factor authentication, and it allows banks and application providers to protect multiple applications with a single device.
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Consumer Identity:
MFA for Consumer Identity is a critical tool for protecting user data from identity theft. In the case of consumer theft, this measure can be used to supplement the security of the traditional username and password login with an additional layer of protection.
As TOTP is sent via message or automated phone call, cybercriminals will have a difficult time breaking it. To access their resource, a consumer needed two pieces of data. MFA adds a layer of security to authentication.
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Single Sign-On (SSO) Compatibility:
Single sign-on (SSO) is a productivity-enhancing authentication method that allows users to authenticate with multiple applications and websites using a single set of credentials. SSO is secure because of the relationship that identity providers have with service providers.
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Cards:
A secure smart card is something you have that is more secure than something you know (i.e. a possession factor). Because it requires a physical card for user verification, an MFA method secured with a card is safe from remote hacking and phishing attacks.
With contactless card technology widely available, a simple tap can be all that is required to use this factor to login; however, because it is a physical object, it can still be lost, stolen, or shared, undermining the assurance that login is indeed the authorized user associated with the card. Another issue with cards is cost, which can sneak up on organizations as replacing cards becomes expensive and inconvenient.
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Tokens:
Tokens, like cards, are another form of possession. Tokens, with their small form factor and wide range of configurations, can easily bring multifactor authentication to desktop and mobile channels. A USB token only needs to be plugged into a device, whereas a wireless token may only need to be close enough to a device to vouch for a user's identity.
Tokens, like cards, can be lost, stolen, or shared, and each compromised object costs a company money, administrative labor, and time to replace. Tokens also slow down workflow and add friction.
Pros and Cons of Multi-Factor Authentication:
Some of the Pros and Cons of Multi-Factor Authentication are:-
Advantages:
-
MFA improves the security of your company:
The most obvious advantage of multi-factor authentication is that it adds an extra layer of security. Each factor compensates for the weaknesses of the others. For example, if a hacker obtains a password through a brute-force attack, a second factor would present another roadblock.
As a result, unless the hacker possesses all of the factors required by the system, they will be unable to gain access to the account.
-
Physical tokens simplify life:
A hardware module, such as a USB token similar to Google's Titan Key, can be used as part of the MFA process. Simply insert the USB token into the corresponding desktop or laptop connector, type a password, and the user is logged in. This MFA method is used by PayPal and Microsoft in addition to Google.
This method is extremely simple to implement. It also does not necessitate access to a cellular network or the Internet.
Disadvantages:
-
Forgot your phone, too bad.
You're out of luck if your MFA requires an SMS code and you don't have your phone. To use mobile SMS code MFA, users must carry a mobile phone that is charged and kept in the range of a cellular network at all times.
-
Cost.
Setting up MFA improves overall business continuity, but there is a cost for a high level of security. Some MFA solutions, such as security keys, necessitate the use of specialized hardware. Not only will you have to pay for each key, but you'll also have to budget for hardware maintenance.
-
Smartphones and physical tokens are both vulnerable to theft.
There is always the risk of mobile phones and tokens being stolen, allowing the thief access to the user's accounts.
As the number of cyber-attacks grows, many businesses are becoming aware of the risk of data breaches. Making multi-factor authentication mandatory for employees can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your network and data.
Conclusion:
In Conclusion, As cybercriminals' methods advance, security measures must evolve to protect against such threats. Furthermore, single-layer security tactics are proving ineffective, as usernames and passwords can be easily guessed using various tools and tactics.
Multi-factor authentication, while imperfect, adds additional layers of system hardening to protect critical data and thwart hacker attacks.
Trenton Systems engineers devote countless hours to perfecting multi-layer cybersecurity options, such as multi-factor authentication, in order to provide complete protection across the hardware, firmware, and software layer stack.
However, keep in mind that MFA will not completely stop hackers. MFA is only ONE layer of security. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and persistent. As a result, the more layers of security you have, the better off you will be.
Also Read | Cyber Security Awareness: Ways to Protect Cyber Attack Vulnerability
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