MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION: ENHANCING SECURITY POSTURE

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a multi-step account login process that requires users to enter more information than just a password. For example, along with the password, users might be asked to enter a code sent to their email, answer a secret question, or scan a fingerprint. A second form of authentication can help prevent unauthorized account access if a system password has been compromised.

Digital security is critical in today's world because both businesses and users store sensitive information online. Everyone interacts with applications, services, and data that are stored on the internet using online accounts. A breach, or misuse, of this online information could have serious real-world consequences, such as financial theft, business disruption, and loss of privacy.

While passwords protect digital assets, they are simply not enough. Expert cybercriminals try to actively find passwords. By discovering one password, access can potentially be gained to multiple accounts for which you might have reused the password. Multi-factor authentication acts as an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized users from accessing these accounts, even when the password has been stolen. Businesses use multi-factor authentication to validate user identities and provide quick and convenient access to authorized users. 

The next generation of MFA mechanisms will combine impregnable security and ease of use, ensuring that users have a frictionless experience while preventing hackers from finding and exploiting loopholes. Passwords will most likely disappear and give way to more reliable and user-friendly methods. Biometric authentication is one of the most promising alternatives. Biometrics were previously expensive and inaccurate, but recent years have seen precise and affordable fingerprint, iris, and face scanners integrated into a large number of consumer devices. Companies will be able to leverage these technologies to replace passwords.

Multi-factor authentication works by requesting multiple forms of ID from the user at the time of account registration. The system stores this ID and user information to verify the user for next login. The login is a multi-step process that verifies the other ID information along with the password.

The steps involved include:

 Registration

A user creates the account with username and password. They then link other items, such as a cell phone device or physical hardware fob, to their account. The item might also be virtual, such as an email address, mobile number, or authenticator app code. All these items help to uniquely identify the user and should not be shared with others.

 Authentication

When a user with MFA-enabled logs into a website, they are prompted for their username and password, and an authentication response from their MFA device. If the system verifies the password, it connects to the other items. For example, it may issue a number code to the hardware device or send a code by SMS to the user's mobile device. 

 Reaction

The user completes the authentication process by verifying the other items. For example, they might enter the code they have received or press a button on the hardware device. The user gets access to the system only when all the other information is verified.

Benefits of multi-factor authentication

 Reduces security risk

Multi-factor authentication minimizes risks due to human error, misplaced passwords, and lost devices.

 Enables digital initiatives

Organizations can undertake digital initiatives with confidence. Businesses use multi-factor authentication to help protect organizational and user data so that they can carry out online interactions and transactions securely.

 Improves security response

Companies can configure a multi-factor authentication system to actively send an alert whenever it detects suspicious login attempts. This helps both companies and individuals to respond faster to cyberattacks, which minimizes any potential damage.

 It assures consumer identity.

MFA is an important tool for protecting consumer data from identity theft. By implementing this measure, the security of the traditional username and password login is supplemented by an additional layer of protection. Cybercriminals will have a hard time cracking TOTP since it is either sent via SMS or through an automated phone call. A consumer needs two pieces of information to access their resource. MFA adds a sense of mindfulness to authentication.

 It adds next-level security, even remotely.

Quite often, cybercriminals try to gain access to the system when a user is working remotely. Their task can become tricky if MFA is used with an SSO solution. MFA can help block such users and even report potential threats. The IT department immediately gets notified. They can take strict actions to block such users.

The rise in password thefts through phishing, keylogging, and pharming has raised many concerns for organizations across the globe, especially on an open network. All these concerns can be laid to rest through the implementation of MFA. For example, a user would receive a prompt to confirm secondary authentication even if the password is stolen. This will help prevent any data loss.

Types of multi-factor authentication

Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP): Users receive a temporary code via an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.

SMS or Email Codes: A code is sent to the user's mobile phone or email, which they must enter to complete the login.

Biometric Authentication: This includes fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or even iris scans.

Hardware Tokens: Physical devices that generate unique codes, often used in high-security environments.

Smart card-based MFA: This method involves the use of a physical card that contains a chip with the user’s credentials. The user inserts the card into a card reader to authenticate their account.

Push notification-based MFA: This method sends a push notification to the user’s mobile phone. The user must then approve the notification to authenticate their account.

Implementation process of muti-factor authentication

1. The system asks for just the password and one more ID, called two-factor authentication or two-step authentication.

2. Instead of the system, a third-party application called an authenticator verifies the user's identity. The user enters the passcode into the authenticator, and the authenticator confirms the user to the system.

3. During verification, the user enters biometric information by scanning a fingerprint, retina, or other body part.

4. The system may request multiple authentications only when you access it for the first time on a new device. After that, it will remember the machine and ask only for your password.