An unlocked door doesn't put a layer of security to an opportunistic robber, whereas a locked one provides one layer of protection. Now, take it one step further and imagine that the door also requires a card or fingerprint reader and the key to unlock it. Now, you have multiple layers of security. That's the gist of Multifactor Authentication (MFA).
Although there is still a tiny chance an attacker will break in, it would slow them down, it leaves a trail, and they would more than likely move on to an easier target.
MFA is the most effective means of controlling and protecting an organization against unknown attacks. When implemented correctly, it can stop most threat actors from quickly attaining the first entry into your organization.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
MFA requires users to enter more than one — typically two pieces of information to access an account. Enabling MFA, whenever possible, reduces the risk of sensitive data becoming compromised. In addition to passwords, MFA adds another security layer, making it more difficult to breach accounts.
Standard implementations of two-factor authentication may require three distinctive characteristics as factors:
- Knowledge factors: are something you know - Passwords
- Possession factors: apply to things you own, such as one-time passcode sent to your smartphone or provided via a token
- Inherence factors: use your biological characteristics like fingerprint scans
How Multi-Factor Authentication Can Affect Your Environment
While it is recommended employees undergo security awareness training, phishing threats are becoming more sophisticated, and users do not fully understand network exposure risks and how a threat attacker can take advantage of compromised credentials.
The need for MFA goes beyond your immediate network, as well. If your organization uses third-party services, such as a CRM or an HR management system, they should also use MFA.
Here's why:
While you can establish password policies, you cannot compel users to employ unique or complex passwords across all third-party services used by your company. If a threat actor obtains a user's password, they can gain access to your network and potentially more, especially with lax password practices. With MFA enabled, while the first authentication factor may be compromised, the hacker is thwarted from progressing past the second factor. This reassures organizations that they remain protected despite the inherent risks associated with user passwords.
Types of Multi-factor Authentication
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Implementing robust authentication methods is crucial for enhancing security in business environments. Here are effective authentication methods available:
- SMS: Sends a verification code via text message after entering the password, adding an extra layer of security.
- Authenticator Apps: Generate time-sensitive codes based on a secret key, ensuring secure access post-password entry.
- Security Tokens: Hardware devices that provide access to network services, offering physical verification for enhanced security measures.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Streamlines access to multiple applications with a single set of credentials, reducing password fatigue and improving security.
Choosing the best authentication method depends on the organization's security requirements, user convenience, and regulatory compliance. Evaluating these factors will help determine the most suitable approach to strengthen your organization's security posture.
What are the Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication?
Implementing MFA companywide is one of the most effective means to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Without this added layer of security, an attacker can exploit an exposed email account or endanger a poorly protected application to obtain access to more user information— even worse, leverage their "foothold" to heighten privileges and achieve superuser access within the entire network.
An often-overlooked benefit of multi-factor authentication happens when attackers try to authenticate an account with MFA enabled, and the targeted employee receives a second authentication factor. If appropriately trained through security awareness training, the employee can identify the breach and report it to the security or IT department, exposing the threat for resolution and prevention.
According to Forbes, 74% of all data breaches originated with privileged credential abuse.
Identity theft isone of the leading forms of cybercrime in the world. Threat actors can obtain your most critical business information with only a single compromised account, regardless of the individual's location.
Cyber attackers will have difficulty accessing data through stolen credentials with each layer of authentication. Not only would a cybercriminal need to know the username and password of the account they've compromised, but they also need access to the user's business email address, cell phone, or token device. Thereby significantly reducing the threat of identity theft, by up to 99%, according to Microsoft.
How Can Multi-Factor Authentication Be Applied?
Use MFA in scenarios (internal or external) where an extra layer of security is required. One of the most critical multi-factor authentication applications is its use for accessing and running remote network environments. With the increase of security breaches on organizations, one cannot rely solely on password strength as the only security layer for an organization to prevent threat actors from gaining unauthorized access. MFA is a way to reduce the possibility of a data breach from a compromised password.
Expert Recommended MFA Solution
Cisco Duo is an MFA solution that offers you a way to create a zero-trust environment. With Duo, you have can verify the identity of user accounts and devices companywide and complete visibility into each device on your network. You will also have the opportunity to securely integrate MFA into many of your cloud applications.
Learn more about MFA or reach out to talk to an expert about pricing and implementation.
