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What is MFA in simple words?

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authorization method that requires a user to provide one or more verification details to gain access to a resource such as an online account, application, or VPN.

 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

FAQs

  • What is an example of MFA?

    One typical example of MFA is related to ATM transactions. Suppose you visit an ATM to withdraw money from your account. Your debit card will be your first authentication factor. However, another authentication factor would be your PIN which you need to enter to access your account.

     

    Just-in-time access permission management

  • Why is MFA so important?

    The prominent benefit of MFA is that it’ll improve your organization’s security because users will need more authorization and security controls than just simple usernames and passwords to verify their identity. Even though usernames and passwords are important, they are vulnerable to brute-force attacks and can be influenced by third parties.

  • Can hackers beat MFA?

    Hackers have plenty of techniques to bypass MFA and conduct devastating cyber-attacks. Some popular ways include SIM cloning, swapping, code hijacking, and cookie attacks.

  • Can MFA be broken?

    According to cybersecurity professionals, text message and email-based authentication aren’t just the weakest forms of MFA, but they are also broken. The recent rise in phishing attacks against identity-based authentication also supports the belief that MFA defenses can crumble, even under unsophisticated techniques.

  • What are two reasons for implementing a multi-factor authentication?

    Be it meeting compliance requirements or developing a super-secured multi-layered access control environment, implementing an MFA control in your organization is essential. Here’s how it’ll help:

    • Reduce identity theft risks associated with stolen passwords.
    • Eliminate the use of mismanaged devices.
    • Safeguards against poor employee passwords

  • What are the 3 factors of multi-factor authentication?

    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a core authentication model requiring two or more verification measures to allow access to any application, VPN, or online account. It’s one of the vital components of a strong identity management system having three distinct authentication categories.

    • What you know

    This category basically refers to the verification factors already known to the user, including personal ID, password, OTPs, or PIN code.

    • What you have

    This deals with verification factors possessed by a user. Some common examples include tokens, access badges, smartphones, and cards.

    • What you are

    The MFA authentication tools of this category deal with the user’s inherent personality. Typical examples include behavioral analysis, fingerprints, facial recognition, retina, or iris scanning.