A Definitive Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

It was predicted that by 2021, cybercrime will put a $6 trillion dent in the world’s economy leaving victims vulnerable to ransomware every 11 seconds. If that’s not scary enough, consider how Artificial Intelligence is used in ransomware to give it superpowers! By 2023 cybercrime cost $8 trillion.

Thankfully, there are tech businesses hot on the tail of cybercrime in all its forms so you can protect your business, and it’s data, and help your staff stay safe online.

One great combatant to cybercriminal activity is multi-factor authentication (MFA). This type of security proves you’re honest, i.e., not a bot and the legitimate user requiring access.

MFA goes a long way in restraining thieves who view internet crimes as low-risk with a high reward. In short, it keeps hackers from stealing your credentials. You also block cyber attackers from doing other unseemly things as well. If you want more details on how MFA works, this article is for you. 🙂

Protecting your company and employees is very important

As a business ownerou stop criminals when you implement user authentication. This shuts the door to cyber intruders and their plans to interrupt the flow of your business. 

What multi-factor authentication means, and why is everyone adapting it? Read on to learn everything you need to know here.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

You’ve probably heard of 2-factor authentication when signing into your email. Well, multi-factor is the same thing. 

It’s a security enhancement requiring users to use multiple forms of identification. For example, when you log into an email account, you use a username and password.

With multi-factor identification, users must supply another piece of evidence. Your email account may text a number code to your smartphone. Once you receive the code, you must enter it to retrieve your emails. 

This is a great enhancement when your business uses enterprise password management. 

How Does MFA Work?

There’s more than one type of MFA—Application and Device MFA. Application authentication has to do with a user gaining access to multiple applications. Device MFA activates at a single log-in point. 

Both require authentication factors.

A user must pass identity verification before gaining access to an application or network. Identify verification accesses three types of authentication factors to give users a pass:

Knowledge

The knowledge factor concerns something the user already knows. In most cases, it’s their username, password, ID numbers, SSNs, etc. Users would first use these combinations as they attempt application or device sign-in. 

Possession

Possession is something a user has—a token, device, or key. Some great examples of possession are USB devices, key fobs, and smartphones. If an MFA system sends a temporary sign-in code, users will access it on their phones. 

The smartphone demonstrates that the user possesses a phone that no one else does. This helps secure identity in the verification process.

Inherent

Inherent factors concern who the user is and their physical body. It’s basic authentication that recognizes someone by sight or sound. Some examples include photo identification, face ID, and fingerprint scans.

Some other inherent factors include retina scans and diagnostic work like blood tests. 

Consider Enhanced Sign-on Security

Cybercrime by the numbers is frightening, and ignorance is no excuse. You can improve security in many ways when you access any site online.

Multi-factor authentication protects your private computing data, and you’re no longer the weak link for cyber attackers. Consider the process and implement this enhanced feature to upgrade your internet security. While it’s easier not to do it, the cost of having an MFA could be your identity.

We have more ideas, tips, and information for you and your business to help you stay cyber-secure. Check out our security category for the latest tips.