Passwords often aren’t enough to keep your information secure. Rather than simply relying on a password to provide access, multi-factor authentication requires an additional layer of security to validate your access, so we can make sure it is really you before we grant you your valuable access. Adding a second method of validation adds more security, and makes it more difficult for any outsiders to try and log in, and prevents 99% of password-based cybercrime. Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, protects your logins (and thus, your data and applications) by requiring a second source of validation before granting valuable access to users. Multi-factor authentication appears in a variety of ways, depending on what is most effective for a specific organization. Common examples of multi-factor authentication include one-time passcodes and second-factor authentication on an additional device, or even biometric authentication like facial recognition fingerprints, etc. Authentication based on usernames and passwords alone has become increasingly unreliable. Users may get into the habit of using the same passwords across multiple accounts, lack the necessary complexity, or even avoid changing their passwords regularly. This all leads to easily acquiring user’s passwords for malicious intent via hacking, phishing and/or malware. Now that we’ve covered a basic understanding of Multi-factor Authentication, why it is recommended and how it works, here are Matthijssen’s top 3 reasons to implement Multi-Factor Authentication: An attack on your network can be costly. Strengthening your security to successfully defend your organization against attacks can provide a return on investment that covers the expense of an MFA solution. Users–especially customers–will feel more secure overall using a second method of authentication before accessing their data, knowing there is extra security keeping their information secure. This improved sense of trust from any kind of stakeholder means MFA becomes a competitive advantage. With technological advances, MFA logins have become easier. Implementing more passive second-factor authentication, like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, it’s become faster to validate a user’s access in order to log in quickly and make the most of a user’s time. Multi-factor Authentication can be personalized to fit the needs of every organization. Learn about methods and how to start implementing MFA within your organization, contact our team of experts today. 
What is Multi-factor Authentication?
Why is Multi-factor Authentication recommended?
MFA enables organizations to limit access to only verified users before they can gain entry to critical systems. As organizations improve workflows by digitizing and automating data and processes, the need for security increases. Exploiting user login data has been a strategy used by hackers for a long time, so verifying user identity has become increasingly necessary.
How does Multi-factor Authentication work?
MFA requires means of verification that unauthorized users won't have. Since passwords are insufficient for verifying identity, MFA requires another piece of evidence to verify identity. The theory is that even if malicious characters can impersonate a user one way, they won't be able to provide two pieces of verification or more.
1. Reduced Costs
2. Improved Trust
3.Easier Logins
FAQs
What are three reasons multi-factor authentication should be used? ›
- Reduced Costs. An attack on your network can be costly. ...
- Improved Trust. Users–especially customers–will feel more secure overall using a second method of authentication before accessing their data, knowing there is extra security keeping their information secure. ...
- Easier Logins.
The primary objective of multi-factor authentication is to reduce the risk of account takeovers and provide additional security for users and their accounts. Since over 80% of cyber breaches happen due to weak or stolen passwords, MFA can provide added layers of security necessary to protect users and their data.
What are the three 3 common factors used for authentication? ›Authentication using two or more factors to achieve authentication. Factors are (i) something you know (e.g., password/personal identification number); (ii) something you have (e.g., cryptographic identification device, token); and (iii) something you are (e.g., biometric).
What is the justification for multi-factor authentication? ›MFA Enables Stronger Authentication
It adds another layer of protection from the kinds of damaging attacks that cost organizations millions. A security breach caused by a weak user password would understandably have huge consequences for both the company and the customers who trust it.
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.
When should you use multi-factor authentication? ›Some people worry that multifactor authentication is going to be really inconvenient, but generally it's only used the first time you sign into an app or device, or the first time you sign in after changing your password. After that you'll just need your primary factor, usually a password, like you do now.
Why should we enable MFA? ›While important, usernames and passwords are vulnerable to brute force attacks and can be stolen by third parties. Enforcing the use of an MFA factor like a thumbprint or physical hardware key means increased confidence that your organization will stay safe from cyber criminals.
How much does MFA improve security? ›Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a powerful way to protect yourself and your organization. The use of MFA on your accounts makes you 99% less likely to be hacked.
What are the benefits of 2FA? ›2FA is an effective way to ensure that an organization or individual doesn't fall victim to a cyberattack or hacker. 2FA utilizes time-sensitive token generators, or passcodes, to help prevent identity theft and data loss.
What are the three main purposes of authentication methods? ›There are three authentication factors that can be used: something you know, something you have, and something you are. Something you know would be a password, a PIN, or some other personal information.
What 3 methods of multi-factor authentication are supported? ›
The four types of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are knowledge, possession, inherence and location. These authentication types provide a foundation for a number of MFA methods, giving users multiple options for securing their data, ranging from SMS message tokens to hardware security keys.
What is 3 factor authentication security? ›As its name suggests, 3FA goes one step further than 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) by including a biometric element in the identification mix. 3FA combines something you know (your password) with something you have (your mobile phone) and something you are (your fingerprint) to help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
What are 3 reasons multi-factor authentication should be used? ›MFA secures the environment, the people in it, and the devices they're using without requiring cumbersome resets or complicated policies. Organisations can also make it easier for users by providing them with a variety of factors to choose from or by only requiring additional factors when necessary.
What is the reason that multi-factor authentication is preferable over ordinary authentication? ›Multi-factor authentication is a quick and simple way to add an extra layer of protection to confidential data. This additional step acts like an extra lock designed to protect accounts from hackers or a cybersecurity weakness.
What does MFA protect against? ›MFA is a very effective approach to neutralize credential stuffing attacks, in which cybercriminals automatically and simultaneously try a list of stolen usernames and passwords on multiple sites.
What are the three aspects of a 3 factor authentication? ›Three-factor authentication (3FA) is the use of identity-confirming credentials from three separate categories of authentication factors -- typically, the knowledge, possession and inherence categories.
Why use the multifactor authentication approach USPS? ›Employees must use multifactor authentication to sign in to the self-service profile portal. To protect against cybercriminals, the Postal Service is now requiring employees to use multifactor authentication to access the self-service profile portal.
Why is multi-factor authentication important for businesses? ›These measures add an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account or system. Adding MFA is a great way for businesses to cut down on unauthorized access, even if passwords get stolen.