In the current cybersecurity landscape, having a strong password isn’t always enough to keep your online accounts secure. Today’s cybercriminals often use phishing attacks or even brute-force strategies to steal passwords and gain unauthorized access to protected systems.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security for your accounts, helping to keep hackers out even if your password is compromised.
Let’s take a look at how to implement multi-factor authentication methods in your organization and why it’s so important for digital security.
Key Takeaways
- Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide multiple pieces of information to verify their identity, rather than just a username and password.
- Using MFA helps keep your account safe, even if your password is compromised by a cyber attack.
- There are several different types of MFA, including one-time passwords, authentication apps, biometrics, hardware keys, and push notifications.
- A managed services provider can help you implement MFA across your business for extra security.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is a digital security measure that requires users to provide more than one piece of information to verify their identity.
For example, in addition to providing a password, the user may also be required to provide a code sent to their mobile device or scan their fingerprint to log into an account.
This form of authentication ensures that even if one piece of verifying information is compromised, the systems in question remain secure.
Security questions were an early form of multi-factor authentication, although many systems have phased them out in favor of more secure options.
What Threats Can MFA Help Prevent?
Multi-factor authentication systems have proven to be very effective in stopping cyberattacks and keeping secure data safe. One study from Microsoft found that 99.99% of MFA-protected accounts remain secure.
In fact, MFA has become standard practice for both personal and professional use. 89% of SMBs in the United States use MFA in some form. Here are some of the security threats that multi-factor authentication can help prevent.
Phishing Attacks
MFA is a particularly effective way to fight back against devastating phishing attacks.
In a phishing attack, cybercriminals pose as a trusted contact, often through email, social media message, or text message.
When you have MFA enabled, your username and password won’t be enough for cybercriminals to access your account, rendering their phishing efforts completely ineffective.
Credential Theft
Phishing isn’t the only way that cybercriminals use to steal usernames and passwords.
They can also use malware to track your keystrokes or spy on others using an unencrypted public Wi-Fi network. Bad actors could even steal your password just by looking over your shoulder in a public place.
MFA methods keep your accounts safe, even if someone else has stolen your password.
Brute Force Attacks
In a brute force attack, a hacker cracks your password with trial and error. They’ll try as many different combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols as possible until they find the correct password, usually building bots to speed up the process.
If a hacker is able to crack your password, multi-factor authentication still keeps them out of your systems.
Types of Multi-Factor Authentication
Several different types of multi-factor authentication have emerged over the years as access management technology has developed. Each of these MFA types has its pros and cons, so it all depends on your system’s security needs.
SMS and Email Verification
SMS and email verification is one of the most popular types of multi-factor authentication. After entering your username and password, the system will send you a passcode via email or text message, which you will need to enter to access your account.
These passcodes are only active for a limited time to maintain security, and they can only be used once.
Pros
- User-friendly: Because email and SMS verification is widely used, many people are already familiar with the process and know what to expect.
- Accessible: Most people have either an email address, a phone, or both, so there’s no need to buy a new device or sign up for a new account.
Cons
- Possible vulnerabilities: If you use the same password for your email account as you do for other software programs, cybercriminals could hack your email to access your MFA passcodes. SMS passcodes could be compromised if cybercriminals hack your phone and intercept your text messages.
- Code can go to spam: These time-based passcodes could get stuck in your spam folders, making them difficult to find.
- Contact info must be updated: If you get a new mobile phone or switch to a new email address, you will need to update your contact info right away or your MFA passcodes will be sent to the wrong account.
Authenticator Apps
An authenticator app is a mobile app that displays login codes for your secure accounts. These codes refresh every minute or so for security.
Popular examples of authenticator apps include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, and LastPass.
Pros
- More secure than SMS: Codes from authenticator apps are very difficult for external threat actors to intercept.
- Quick code access: With an authenticator app, you’ll get access to codes right away, without having to wait for an email to come through.
Cons
- Requires app download: You’ll need to download a new app to your phone to use the authenticator, rather than using something you already have.
- Device dependent: If your phone dies or is lost, you won’t be able to access your passcodes.
Hardware Tokens
A hardware token is a small physical device that resembles a USB drive or key fob and plugs into your computer. When you log into a secure account, the token will use cryptography to verify your identity.
Pros
- Ultra-secure: Hardware tokens use secure cryptography that is nearly impossible for hackers to crack.
- No codes: Users don’t need to find and enter a numerical code—the device handles the login process for you.
Cons
- Easy to lose: Hardware tokens are very small, which means they’re easy to lose or break.
- Don’t work with all devices: These physical security keys aren’t compatible with all devices or operating systems, which is inconvenient and can limit account access.
- Can be pricey: Purchasing identity verification tokens for your entire team can quickly get expensive, so this may not be a viable solution for small businesses.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication uses individual physical data to verify your identity. Examples of biometric authentication include facial recognition, fingerprint scans, retina scans, or voice recognition
Pros
- Impossible to replicate: Hackers can’t replicate individual fingerprints or facial details, making this method incredibly secure.
- Easy and convenient: Most biometric authentication processes take just seconds and don’t require much effort from the user.
Cons
- Not supported by all devices: The technology for biometric authentication is generally only available on newer devices.
- Sensitive data: Some people may not be comfortable sharing their biometric authentication data for authentication purposes.
Push Notifications
Some software programs will send push notifications to your device to verify the user’s identity, rather than sending a code via SMS.
Pros
- Quicker than SMS codes: When you receive a push notification, all you have to do is tap a button to verify your identity, rather than having to type in a full code.
- Intuitive: Push notifications are very user-friendly, preventing any confusion.
Cons
- Device dependent: If you lose or break your phone, you won’t have access to the push notifications to log in.
- Requires app download: You’ll need to download the identity verification app for each system you’re using.
Tips for Implementing MFA For Your Business
Implementing MFA for your business provides additional security, ensuring that only your employees and customers get access to your systems.
To implement MFA in your business, start by assessing your security needs. Consider what types of secure data you need to protect and any regulations you need to comply with as part of your cybersecurity strategy.
Then, identify the systems or accounts you’re using that could benefit from MFA. Most software programs today are MFA-compatible, so you’ll need to select the methods that make the most sense for your needs.
For example, if you’re primarily concerned about speed and convenience, you might implement push notifications or an authenticator app. However, if security is a higher priority, a hardware key or biometric authentication may be necessary.
How an MSP Can Help Your Company Implement MFA
A managed services provider, or MSP, is a team of third-party IT and cybersecurity experts who can help you plan and execute an IT strategy, so you can focus on running your business.
Diamond IT can help you implement MFA by assessing the networks and systems you are currently using. We identify areas where you can implement MFA and decide which types will be most effective.We can also provide ongoing tech support, system monitoring, cybersecurity training, and more to help your business thrive.