MFA Multi-Factor Authentication
More security for your data and applications without additional effort for your users.
What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a factor to the login sequence. You’ll need more than just your username + password to log in. Because the other factors are not found online, it’s way harder for the perpetrator to get into your accounts.
- Something you know – e.g. a password
- Something you have – e.g. your phone or a token
- Something you are – biometrics; e.g. face ID and fingerprints
- Somewhere the user is – geolocation
Application Security
- Most if not all of us have hundreds of passwords to remember, including passwords we use daily to access systems, applications and personal data as well as business applications. End users often take the easiest path when it comes to passwords by recycling them or storing them in files on computers or phones. An ideal scenario for your typical hacker.
Many companies have been victims of damaging security breaches executed by unauthorised users gaining access to the network or acquiring inappropriate levels of access.
This illustrates the clear need for advanced authentication mechanisms beyond usernames and passwords. Multi-factor authentication is the commonly used name for this mechanism.
By definition, multi-factor authentication requires the use of different elements. Asking for two different passwords isn’t multi-factor authentication, whereas a website sending an access code to a user’s phone, which the user then has to enter in addition to their usual password is.
Solution – Multi-Factor Authentication
SR’s multi-factor authentication solutions allow organisations to use advanced security options such as single sign-on, which is easier for end-users, but harder for hackers. With single sign-on, the user performs an initial multifactor authentication process. Once that has been successfully completed, the end-user is admitted to their single sign-on software and can gain access to required applications and data without having to enter passwords or credentials every time.
Our multi-factor authentication solutions include the following features:
- Ability to transparently identify network users and enforce identity-driven policy
- Seamless secure two-factor/OTP authentication across the organisation
- Certificate management for enterprise wireless and VPN deployment
- Guest management for wired and wireless network security
- Single sign-on capabilities for both internal and cloud networks
We offer a number of alternative multi-factor solutions based on technology from leading vendors to help enterprises with the integration of their existing IT and security solutions for a seamless user experience.
Why choose SR Cloud Solutions?
SR Cloud Solutions has a 25-year track record of supplying managed security services to many organisations in different industries.
- The best technology – highest levels of accreditation with the world’s leading vendors such as Microsoft, Okta, Cisco.
- Skills and expertise with a UK-based 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC).
- We are a Joscar accredited business which means we are certified to work with leading defense companies who require the highest standards of cyber security.
- We are experts in Cloud infrastructures such as Microsoft Azure so we can provide expert security consultancy on hybrid cloud environments and how best to secure and monitor those environments including Cloud Governance.
Book a meeting with one of our consultants to learn more or read on more below to find out more about our MFA Solutions.
BENEFITS of MFA
It provides more layers of security than 2FA
MFA provides more layers of security as compared to 2FA. An organization can make it mandatory for both employees and consumers to verify their credibility using a password, Time-based One Time Password (TOTP), and Google Authenticator. This way, they can make sure that the end-user is verified. The multiple layers of security ensure that the consumers looking for access are who they claim to be. Even if hackers steal one credential, they will be forced to verify identities in another manner. Therefore, companies that store consumers’ confidential details should opt for more than two authentications. It will help them build and maintain consumer trust.
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 is an effective cybersecurity solution
Hackers have a tough time cracking a 2FA or MFA because of the implementation of strict security measures, such as TOTP, Google Authenticator, and more. The users can make the task for hackers even more difficult by using complex passwords, mainly if the MFA is used with an SSO solution.
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.
It meets regulatory compliances
Implementing multi-factor authentication can be a key requirement when it comes to complying with certain industry regulations. For example, PCI-DSS requires MFA to be implemented in certain situations to prevent unauthorized users from accessing systems. So, even when application updates lead to unknown and unattended consequences, MFA compliance ensures that it remains virtually non-intrusive.
It complies with Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions
An industry-compliant MFA comes with an SSO solution. You no longer have to create multiple complex passwords for different applications. Using a secondary authentication with SSO confirms the consumer identity and removes the risk of losing data due to password misplacement. This not only saves time but also enhances security.
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Frequently Asked Questions
MFA is used to authenticate if the identity of a user is genuine. It requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, for authentication. A key goal for MFA is to add additional authentication factors to increase security. The well-designed multi-factor authentication strategy strives to maintain a balance between added security and user convenience.
It is crucial to understand the difference between two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication. MFA requires two or more authentication factors to verify whether the user accessing the information is authorised or not. Organisations may use different combinations of authentication factors that suit their requirements.
Two-factor authentication is a subset of MFA which uses only two factors for the authentication process. Every two-factor authentication is multi-factor authentication, but every multi-factor authentication is not two-factor authentication. More security layers mean fewer chances of hackers getting through, hence higher security of your data and information. But there is more to be read about the comparison of two-factor authentication vs multi-factor authentication.
MFA requires the use of multiple (at least two) factors to verify authorized access by the user. There are three main types of authentication factors used, and for each factor, there are different methods for authentication:
Knowledge – Something you know
It typically includes information that is known only to the user. The combination of a username and password or PIN are the most common examples of a knowledge factor. Some organizations may require security questions such as the mother’s maiden name or name of the school first attended to verify the user’s identity.
Possession – Something you have
The possession authentication factor is helpful when users have something specific in their custody, such as physical tokens, smart cards, key fobs or mobile phones. Google authenticator is a good example of an app of the phone as a token. It is unlikely that a hacker who has stolen a user’s password also has stolen their physical possession as well. This type of authentication may include confirming through a pop-up notification on a mobile phone or requiring the insertion of a security card, or even, the outdated and deprecated one-time password, which could be provided via text message or email.
Inherence – Something you are
The inherence factor uses behavior or biological traits of the users for login purposes. Commonly used inherence factors include fingerprints, retinal scan or voice or facial recognition. Behavioral biometrics and recognition signals are also inherence factors, since it is difficult for fraudsters to mimic or fake user behavior. This type of authentication is considered to be not only strong, but also the type with lowest friction for users.
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. If one of the factors such as a user’s password is stolen or breached, the other factors provide an additional layer of security and assurance of the user identity.
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