17 Oct The Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication

Importance of MFA Today

The digital era is rife with problems and threats. From malware to phishing emails to third-party hacks, there are a plethora of issues a person or profession has to face down. There are, however, many ways to combat digital attacks, and one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to do so is with MFA, or “multi-factor authentication.” It’s also referred to as two-factor authentication, but the premise is the same.

The idea behind MFA is to establish additional layers of protection for a mobile device, network, or website. Generally, when you log in to any of the mentioned services you’re prompted for a login. In the case of MFA, an additional login requirement is added after the first passcode. A message is sent to a separate device with a second login which must be entered. The idea is that the device is only accessible by an individual, preventing a third party from accessing confidential material by brute-forcing a password. 

It’s quite useful and can be utilized by anyone, business or individual alike. There’s a range of benefits that result from employing 2FA as well.

What are the MFA types?

While this varies based on the login, website, and system, there are a handful of ways 2FA works.

SMS and Text

One of the most common, a user receives a text/SMS message with an additional password login. Gives individuals more control over their security.

Authenticators

Like an SMS code or similar is generated but done so from local hardware (like a user’s tablet or smartphone). Using single-use passwords helps prevent security breaches.

Benefits

Beyond safety, there are various benefits that come from using multi-factor authentication. MFA is an inexpensive way to increase security for any enterprise. This is because it relies on something an individual owns or “is.” A hacker would need access to the mobile device, PIN, or even a person’s fingerprint for password access.

MFA is also more in line with modern regulations and cybersecurity compliance. While not always mandatory, cybersecurity laws and bills may require your business to utilize certain security standards, MFA being one of them. 

It’s also able to streamline the sign-on process for users in a company network. Some businesses use “single sign on” for their staff, which means once said employee has signed into the network, they are signed in to all other respective logins (like software, email, etc). With MFA, users have logged in securely, which can be integrated with single sign on, making things easier and safer.

Multi-factor authentication is an accessible, essential part of good cybersecurity that’s easy to implement. It benefits businesses or individuals for whatever’s needed, and can keep any device much safer.

If you’d like to learn more, you can contact us at Bytagig.