Multi-factor authentication (or MFA) is a multi-layered security system that verifies the identity of users for login or other transactions. Show
By leveraging multiple authentication layers, even if one element is damaged or disabled, the user account will remain secure. And that's the catch! Codes generated by smartphone apps, answers to personal security questions, codes sent to an email address, fingerprints, etc. are a few examples of multi-factor authentication implemented in day-to-day scenarios. MFA, also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), is an extra authentication method that’s becoming increasingly common. The only difference between the two is that 2FA only uses two of the available additional checks to verify consumer identity, whereas MFA may use two or more than two checks. Simple password-based solutions were once used to secure data, however this method can only provide you with basic security . Why Should Businesses Use MFA to Protect ConsumersTraditional usernames and passwords can be easily compromised. In fact, they are highly vulnerable to cybercriminal attacks like brute force and account takeovers. Multi-factor authentication, on the other hand, is considered one of the most efficient ways of providing improved security in recent times. The multiple layers ensure that users demanding access are who they claim to be. Even if cybercriminals steal one credential, they'll be forced to verify identities in another way. With the world heads towards more criminal sensitivities, using multi-factor authentication as part of your consumer identity and access management (CIAM) platform helps you build and maintain solid consumer trust.
Types of Authentication FactorsMFA generally refers to five types of authentication factors which are expressed as:
When choosing which checks to use, take into account things like the level of security needed, the types of technology most often used by your customers to access your assets, and, to some extent, cost. Types of Multi-Factor Authentication
There are a number of different checks you can use to implement MFA— and the list is always growing. We have picked the common ones here: SMS Token AuthenticationA relatively straightforward measure to implement, especially for consumers and the general public, this check most often consists of a text message containing a PIN number. This PIN is then used as a one-time password (OTP), usually in addition to traditional username-and-password verification. If your customers frequently access your services from mobile devices, it’s wise to offer them this or another mobile-device-based authentication method to help smooth the consumer journey. Email Token AuthenticationThis method is Identical to SMS tokens, but the code is sent via email. Since not everyone has their phone with them all the time, it’s a good idea to offer this option. It can act as a backup method if your customer has had their mobile device lost or stolen. It’s also a convenient way to access an OTP from any platform that can receive email. Hardware Token AuthenticationUsing a separate hardware token is considered one of the most secure authentication methods available, as long as the key remains in the consumer’s possession. This method is more expensive, although it can be cost-effective to provide your high-value consumers with dongles for free. Business customers tend to be more willing to go the extra mile to use a hardware token, and adoption of hardware tokens is increasing. But it’s still not a good idea to make them compulsory for anyone but the most high-value, at-risk customers such as banking, insurance, and investment clients. Users just need to insert the hardware token into their device to use it. If they use a mobile device for access, they may need another dongle to add a USB or USB-C port to their smart device. Software Token AuthenticationBy using an authentication application on a mobile device, you can get almost the same level of security as with a hardware token. Essentially, the smart device becomes the token. This can be tied in with services like Google Authenticator. Getting customers to use a third-party solution can help encourage them to use MFA for more of their services outside of your business, thus increasing their overall security. It also makes a great alternative to carrying an additional dongle to attach a hardware token to a smart device. Phone AuthenticationRandomly generated one-time password (OTP) sent by SMS is one of the most common ways to authenticate users via phone. Another way is via automated phone calls. Biometric verificationPeople with a smart device or computer with biometric authentication (such as fingerprint ID or facial recognition) can use this check to confirm their identity as part of MFA. Biometric ID verification tends to be less hassle than typing in an OTP, so customers find it less aggravating to use it frequently. The lower friction makes it an ideal option when extra checks are unavoidable.
Additional Forms of Multi-Factor AuthenticationThere are a few other digital verification methods available to your customers. Social login, also called social identity verification, is something many users find convenient since they’re usually already logged in to the relevant accounts. Bear in mind though that social media platforms are high-value targets for hackers, so social ID verification shouldn’t be the only method used on top of username/password in most cases. Security QuestionsSecurity questions are a type of knowledge-based authentication (KBA) where the questions and answers are static. The questions could be defined by the business or the customer, and the customer provides the answers that are later verified. Dynamic KBA, which is more secure than static KBA, uses questions that are generated in real-time based on data records such as credit history or transactions. Risk-Based AuthenticationRisk-based authentication (RBA) can also be used in conjunction with MFA. By monitoring things like location, device, and even user keystrokes, you can tailor the frequency of MFA checks to the security situation. RBA helps avoid asking customers for extra verification repeatedly when they’re signing in from their “home” machine and location. Time-based One-Time Passcode AuthenticationA time-based one-time password (TOTP) is a passcode generated for a user in the current time, and it is valid for a set timeframe. Using this authentication method, you are basically creating a one-time password on the user side with the help of a smartphone. Because TOTP has nothing much to do with the server-side, it means the user will always have access to their one-time password on their smartphone. How Secure Is Multi-Factor Authentication
The security of your MFA solution depends on a few different things. First of all, you need to be engaged, willing customers to apply the above solutions. As mentioned earlier, hardware keys offer greater security than social verification, but they cost money and effort to use. It’s also important to make sure your MFA set up follows a few basic security steps:
How Multi-Factor Authentication WorksMulti-factor authentication classified into two categories:
However for both MFA functions in the same way. Here's how the process is usually carried out.
The hacker will need to have access to the token in order to break into your account. That's why MFA is such an asset in boosting your IT security. The Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication
The benefits of multi-factor authentication form part of the experience that modern consumers expect from any well-managed organization today. MFA is rapidly becoming a standard offering from the biggest tech companies that we deal with today. Failing to meet these consumer expectations leaves you at risk of losing clientele to companies that are using CIAM and MFA to keep their data from harm. Here’s what MFA gives you and your consumers:
This list is, of course, not exhaustive. There are also plenty of secondary benefits that may vary from industry to industry. Introduction of Adaptive Multi-Factor AuthenticationAdaptive MFA is a method that your CIAM provider uses to apply the right level of authentication security depending on the risk profile of the actions currently being attempted by the consumer. Adaptive MFA goes beyond a static list of rules and adapts to ask consumers for the types of verification that best suit a user session. LoginRadius incorporates the following additional factors to its adaptive MFA solutions:
By adding risk-based authentication as a final security layer on top of your other MFA layers, adaptive MFA avoids annoying your consumers, while keeping their data safe from attacks. By using LoginRadius’ adaptive multi-factor authentication, you can relax with the assurance that your consumers are happy and safe when they’re using your online services and products. How to Set up Multi-Factor Authentication With LoginRadiusIf you want to get the most out of the LoginRadius Identity platform, you need to enable MFA. This process is relatively easy. Currently, LoginRadius supports SMS Workflow and Google Authenticator Workflow as authentication methods. Here’s how you can set up.
For SMS WorkflowThere are just a few steps in the LoginRadius Admin Console to enable SMS verification, with options to choose your own SMS template and SMS provider. Next, you will have a choice of options to use as the first verification factor: standard email and password login, username and password, access token, or automated phone call. The second factor is, of course, a one-time password/code sent by SMS.
For Google Authenticator WorkflowTo enable Google Authenticator, you’ll need to set up your ID in the Admin Console for Google to identify your website or app on Authenticator. You can then set up your QR code specifications and whether you want MFA to be mandatory. Like you did for SMS workflow, here too, you can choose from standard email and password login, username and password, access token, or automated phone call for the first verification factor. Google Authenticator supports FIDO 2UF hardware tokens and app-based software tokens on smart devices, so if you want to enable these methods, you need to use Authenticator.
ConclusionMulti-factor authentication gives you a flexible way to balance customer experience with today’s security requirements. Not only is it one of the best ways to secure your login process, but it also shows your customers that you care about their security and take it seriously.
Which of the following are examples of multiA multi-factor authentication example of something the user has could include:. Google Authenticator (an app on your phone).. SMS text message with a code.. Soft token (also called software token).. Hard token (also called hardware token).. Security badge.. What are the 3 factors of multiFactors 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).
Which of the following are examples of multiMultifactor means that more than one type of authentication is needed; for example, a fingerprint and a PIN.
What is an example of 3 factor authentication?This category includes the scope of biometrics such as retina scans, iris scans, fingerprint scans, finger vein scans, facial recognition, voice recognition, hand geometry and even earlobe geometry.
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