What Is Multi-Factor Authentication — All You Need To Know

 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of access control that requires multiple forms of authentication from independent categories of authentication methods. In other words, it adds an extra layer of security to the login process by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification. MFA is becoming increasingly popular as a way to protect against cyber-attacks and to meet compliance requirements. In this article, we will take a closer look at what MFA is, the difference between MFA and two-factor authentication, the different types of MFA, and why it is important for IT security.

Difference between MFA and Two-Factor Authentication

MFA and two-factor authentication (2FA) are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA, and it requires the use of two forms of authentication. MFA, on the other hand, requires the use of multiple forms of authentication, which can be more than two.

Authentication vs. Authorization

It is important to note the difference between authentication and authorization. Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity, while authorization is the process of granting or denying access to specific resources based on a user’s identity. MFA is a form of authentication, whereas authorization is a separate process that occurs after the user has been authenticated.

Kinds of MFA

There are three main categories of authentication methods: something you know, something you have, and something you are.

• Something you know: This category includes passwords, PINs, and answers to security questions.
• Something you have: This category includes tokens, smart cards, and mobile devices.
• Something you are: This category includes biometrics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and voice recognition.

Time and Location

MFA can also take into account the time and location of the login attempt. For example, if an employee is logging in from a different location than usual, the system might require additional forms of authentication or send a notification to the employee’s manager for approval.

Why Use MFA?

MFA provides an additional layer of security for login processes by requiring multiple forms of authentication. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information. MFA is also becoming increasingly important for compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.

Limits of MFA

While MFA is a powerful security tool, it is not foolproof. MFA can be bypassed if a hacker is able to obtain multiple forms of authentication from a user, such as stealing a user’s password and token. Additionally, MFA can be inconvenient for users, as they are required to provide multiple forms of authentication each time they log in.

How to simplify MFA

While MFA is an effective security tool, it can be inconvenient for users. There are ways to simplify the process, such as using single sign-on (SSO) to eliminate the need for users to remember multiple usernames and passwords. Push authentication, which sends a notification to a user’s mobile device to approve a login attempt.

Another way to simplify MFA is by using adaptive MFA, which adapts the level of authentication required based on the risk level of the login attempt. For example, if a user is logging in from a known location and device, the system might only require a password, while if a user is logging in from an unknown location or device, the system might require a fingerprint scan or a token.

If you want to know more about MFA, feel free to visit TriTech IT Solutions. We’re a Leading IT Security Company in Edmonton that offers a wide range of managed IT solutions. Our team of experts can help you understand the benefits of MFA and how it can be implemented in your organization. We can also assist you with the selection, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of MFA solutions. Additionally, we offer a variety of other IT security services such as network security, cloud security, and incident response. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your IT security and protect your organization from cyber threats.