Let’s Talk About IT: Multi-factor Authentication(MFA)- The Risk and The Reward

Let’s Talk About IT: Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – The Risk and The Reward

New threats and new challenges in the ever emerging world of technology. What can you do to protect your business? Let’s weigh in and LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.

The password-it’s probably the most prominent and common security measure available, and it’s also the most vulnerable at many times. But the password does have a lot of vulnerabilities. For one, passwords don’t have enough good identity tests. Anyone who gets a password can easily waltz in and take what they need. Moreover, account security is based solely on the strength of the password which is typically not strong enough, as we all know. This is why companies adopt multifactor authentication or MFA to complement the password as a means of access control, or in some cases as a real alternative to passwords. But originally, what is MFA?

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is the process of identifying an online user by validating two or more user-submitted claims, each from different factors.

Three Basic Elements Of MFA:

1. Something the user aware of: a password or a pin number.
2. Something the user owns: a PC or mobile device.
3. Something the user inherits; fingerprint, face, or voice.

What are the benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

–Reinforces Security Measures-

The MFA theory is that each factor balances the other factors’ weakness. Authentication variables of “what the user knows,” such as passwords and pins, can, for example, be vulnerable to brute-force (hackers forcing logins). Adding an authentication factor that is not so easily inferred, such as “something you have” by authenticating users via their mobile device or “something you are” like a biometric factor like fingerprint or voice will complement it. Unless the hacker has all of the requirements the device needs, they won’t be able to access the account.

–Regulate Compliance-

Apart from data encryption, a lot of compliance standards – federal, state or otherwise – usually specify that for certain circumstances organizations need to enforce MFA. This is particularly true when it comes to protecting sensitive data such as personal identifiable data (PII) or financial details. That means implementing MFA is in fact a step towards compliance.

And even if it doesn’t really need MFA directly, it may still be the best move. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not expressly require MFA but there are several clauses within the subparts of the Protection Law that illustrate the need for a strong authentication process. And what solid authentication method are we aware of? It’s for sure MFA

–Reduce login-process fatigue–

One would think several authentication factors would complicate the logging into accounts. But the additional protection that MFA offers also enables businesses to use more sophisticated login solutions such as single sign-on.

Single sign-on works by validating the user when logging into MFA. If the user is authenticated they are logged into their programme for single sign-on. From there they have access to the single sign-on software’s protected applications without the need to log in separately for each app.

This scenario brings practicality to the implementation of MFA, because login fatigue is one of the challenges it presents. This relates to users getting tired of logging into multiple accounts and MFA will just bring more burden to the users. But a single MFA case, combined with a single sign-on, would cover all the user-needed applications.

What’s next for MFA?

With MFA becoming almost a standard for network access, most vendors are providing methods that will accommodate MFA. While MFA can be time consuming, vendors are thinking of additional methods that will provide the level of security needed to access a secure network, one in particular is the idea of proximity based MFA. The ability to securely access your network just by entering a room where the computer/device is located! Who knew there was such a thing? With a proximity based MFA tool, users can save time and money because the process to access the network is automated, leaving you and your employees less frustrated and ready to complete their job tasks. Proximity based MFA is the perfect solution for law enforcement, healthcare, manufacturing and much more. Learn more about how we can simplify your network access with Gatekeeper-The Bluetooth proximity based MFA tool.