What is Multi Factor Authentication? Understanding Its Importance in Cyber Security

Quick Summary: Stronger security is a prime need of every business, irrespective of any industry. Thus, multi factor authentication is a go-to choice for every business to ensure strict security measures. But what is the concept of multi factor authentication, and how it works? Here, you will learn everything about MFA, along with MFA examples and best practices to enforce it.

Recently, a popular machine learning platform, Hugging Face, confirmed they detected an unauthorized access to their Spaces platform.

According to ITPro news, the Hugging Face team added they are at risk of sensitive data exploitation.

But why are we discussing this today? We have been frequently witnessing sophisticated cyber-attacks that successfully target even well-known tech giants. These attacks are able to harm companies with highly secured IT infrastructures designed to protect their data.

So, how do you consolidate your security system?

That's when multifactor authentication comes to a rescue. Unauthorized access succeeds because of weak authentication techniques. That's why we need multi factor authentication to eradicate the risk of malicious or unauthorized access.

In this blog, you will get a comprehensive understanding of multifactor authentication and how to use it in the best possible way to achieve robust security. Let's begin with it.

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What is Multifactor Authentication?

Multifactor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more than two verification factors to obtain access to an account or system. Instead of allowing access just by verifying passwords (which is a single factor), MFA adds extra layers of security to certify that the person who is attempting to access the system is indeed authorized.

The authentication factors typically fall into these 3 categories:

• Something you know (Knowledge): This is generally a password or a PIN.
• Something you have (Possession): This could be a tangible device like your cellphone (for receiving a one-time code), a hardware token, or a smart card.
• Something you are (Inherent Qualities): This involves biometric verification like fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, or retina scans.

When all three of these factors are combined, a multifactor authentication method is made. Multi factor authentication relatively reduces the risk of security threats in websites and apps that occur through unauthorized access, even if one of the factors happens to be compromised.

Why is Multi Factor Authentication Important?

Learn why multifactor authentication methods are in demand to fulfill the growing security requirements of businesses.

Vigorous Security

Multifactor authentication adds multiple verification techniques in the process of authenticating users. So, even if any of the factors (for example, a password) is compromised, it does not make attackers' job easier to get unauthorized access to the network as the other two barriers still need to be bypassed.

Mitigates Password Risks

Only passwords are not enough to secure the confidentiality of your data; they can be easily stolen through multiple means (e.g., phishing and brute force attacks). The multi factor authentication method minimizes the risk of common vulnerabilities related to passwords by combining something you know (a password) with something you have (a phone or hardware token) and/or something you are (biometric information).

Compliance Requirements

Many industries and regulatory bodies need multifactor authentication to comply with data protection and security standards. Enforcing MFA allows organizations to meet these regulatory requirements and avoid significant penalties.

Protection Against Phishing

Multifactor authentication is able to decrease the risk of phishing attacks significantly. It's because multiple authentication methods are performed to validate the authenticity of the user, so if any of them happen to compromise, the remaining methods will do their job.

Adaptable to Multiple Threats

Multi factor authentication includes different authentication methods like SMS codes, email confirmations, app-based tokens, and biometric scans, which makes MFA adaptable to assess evolving vulnerabilities security threats.

How Does the Multiple Authentication Method Work?

Let's see how multifactor authentication works to prevent security threats. Here's the detailed process of multi factor authentication methods.

1. User Initiates Login

Action: The user navigates to the login interface of the system or an application.

Input: The user enters their username and password.

2. Password Verification

From here onwards, the first step of verifying users’ authenticity begins.

Something You Know:

System Check: The system authenticates and validates the entered password against its records.

Result: Right after checking the password's validity, the system proceeds to request additional authentication. If the entered password is found incorrect, the access is denied there and then.

3. Immediate Additional Authentication

Here begins the next step of authentication.

Action: After the initial authentication, usually password verification, the system prompts the user to proceed with the second authentication method.

4. Provide Second Authentication Factor

Now, the user will proceed to complete other authentication methods for in-depth verification.

Here’s how the authentication of user is done post password verification through different methods

Something You Have:

Examples

SMS Code: A one-time code is sent to the user's cell phone.

Authentication Application Code: A code is generated by an application like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

Hardware Token: A physical device that creates a one-time passcode.

Smartcard: A card that needs to be inserted into a reader.

Action: The user enters the received code or interacts with the hardware token or smart card.

Here’s how the final authentication of a user done through different methods

Something You Are:

Examples

Fingerprint Scan: The user places his/her finger on the finger scanner.

Facial Recognition: The user's face is scanned and authenticated by the network.

Iris Scan: The user's iris is scanned for unique patterns.

Action: The user provides biometric details, which the network validates.

5. Verification of the Second Factor

System check: The system validates the second authentication factor.

For Something You Have: The system ensures that the entered code matches what was sent/generated or that the hardware token is correct.

For Something You Are: The system verifies if the biometric data matches the stored profile.

6. Access Decision

Successful Verification: The system grants access to the user only if both the password and the second factor are thoroughly verified.

Failed Verification: If the second factor is invalid or not provided, access is denied. The user may be given options to retry or seek assistance.

7. Post Authentication

Logging: The system may log the authentication attempt for security auditing and monitoring.

Session Initiation: Upon successful completion of authentication, the user's session begins, granting access to the protected resources or areas.

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All-time Multi Factor Authentication Examples

Let's check some of the most common multi factor authentication examples

1. SMS or Email Codes

How It Works: Once the user enters the password, the user will receive a one-time code via SMS or email. Then, he must enter this code to complete the login process.

Example: Logging into a net banking application and receiving a text message with a verification code.

2. Authentication Apps

How It Works: An application creates a time-based one-time password (TOTP) or a code that refreshes within several seconds. You enter this code after your password.

Example: Use Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to get a code to log into your email.

3. Hardware Tokens

How It Works: A physical device creates a one-time passcode (OTP) or uses USB/NFC for verification. Once the password is entered, the user can use the hardware token to provide the second factor.

Example: Using a YubiKey USB device or a key fob that presents a rotating OTP.

4. Smartcards

How It Works: A physical card is inserted into a card reader or scanned to authenticate. This is often combined with a PIN.

Example: Use of a government-issued smartcard to access secure systems.

5. Biometric Authentication

How It Works: The system uses physical characteristics unique to the user to authenticate identity. This can be done before or after entering a password.

Examples:

Fingerprint Scanning: Users can unlock a smartphone or log into a system by placing their finger on a fingerprint scanner.

Facial Scanning: Users can log into their computers or cell phones by scanning their faces.

6. Voice Identification

How It Works: The voice detection system validates the user's identity on the basis of their voice. This is used in combination with other authentication factors.

Examples: Voice authentication for net banking services or secure voice recognition systems.

7. Email Links

How It Works: Once the user enters their password, an email with a link will be sent to confirm their login attempt. Users have to click the link to complete the verification process.

Examples: Confirming users' login attempts by clicking a link sent to their email address.

Practices to Implement Multi factor Authentication Properly

Let's learn best practices to enforce multi factor authentication to ensure robust security for digital infrastructure.

1. Choose Appropriate Factors

Choose multi factor authentication methods that balance security and user convenience, like integrating passwords with authentication apps or biometrics.

2. Enforce Robust Methods

Optimize robust authentication methods like hardware tokens or biometrics rather than weaker options like SMS codes.

3. Ensure Integration

Do not fail to ensure multi factor authentication solutions incorporate correctly with existing systems and support multiple devices and platforms.

4. Provide User Guidance

Provide succinct instructions and training on multi factor authentication methods setup and usage and combine MFA into the onboarding process.

5. Address Accessibility

Make sure MFA methods are easily accessible to all users and offer support for those who require it.

6. Test Regularly

Conduct regular testing of MFA systems or networks and collect user reviews to assess and fix potential vulnerabilities

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Having seen cyberattacks advancing at such a notable pace, the need for advanced security to safeguard our digital assets is increasing every second. In such cases, multi factor authentication methods are a sure-shot solution to minimize security risks and threats substantially.

Thus, we have created this detailed blog that helps you understand the mechanisms of multi factor authentication to the core in a comprehensive way. We are pretty sure reading this article throughout has helped you make better decisions for implementing high-powered security for your organization's security infrastructure.

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