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MFA is a verification method that requires multiple types of verification to reduce the likelihood that cyber criminals can access your organization’s confidential business data using stolen credentialsMFA includes three common classifications, or authentication factors:
1. Something you know, or the knowledge factor
2. Something you have, or the possession factor
3. You are, or the inherence factor
MFA works by requiring the user who attempts to access a system or date to provide correct information for at least two of these factors.
The knowledge factor requires the user to correctly answer a personal security question When attempting to login, the user will be asked a personal and unusual question. Questions may be about the city you grew up in, your first pet’s name, or mother’s maiden name.
To satisfy the possession factor requirement, the user must correctly provide something they possess in order to log in such as a password, four digit personal identification number (PIN), one-time password (OTP), or a badge, token, key fob or phone subscriber identity module (SIM) card.
An OTP is a unique code consisting of 4-6 numbers. The app or the device sends this code to the user’s phone number or to the device they are using. OTPs typically expire between 30 minutes and 24 hours.
Inherence factors often include biometric verification methods. When this third factor is required, the user must provide correct information to the app in order to be able to login.
Examples of biometric verification include:
1. Fingerprint.
2. Hand Geometry
3. Voice Authentication.
4. Retina and iris patterns.
5. Digital signature scanners
Another MFA method is location-based, where the user must provide their correct location or IP address for identity verification.
The Zero Trust approach allows no one from inside or outside the private network to access the applications unless they verify their identity. Zero Trust uses a multi-layered security architecture to prevent a data breach. When using MFA with Zero Trust, anyone attempting to access the organization’s applications or data must provide correct responses to two or more factors.
Multi-Factor Authentication is an important element in Zero Trust technology. Popular applications like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media apps use 2-factor authentication. In addition to providing, users must verify other elements such as providing aOTP, device verification, or correctly answer personal questions.
MFA creates several layers of security to protect data. In addition to social media profiles, banking applications contain personal financial information about the user. A Zero Trust approach that uses MFA is a must to secure these types of apps.
A Zero Trust architecture that uses MFA provides a multi-layered security system that can benefit practically any organization, especially those who provide their customers with payment gateways or any financial transactions.
You may want to get help from a cybersecurity expert to implement MFA in your organization.. A Zero Trust security model can reduce FTE hours and architectural complexity. A Zero Trust model can be used to secure clients, devices ,cloud applications, and data services. MFA can be implemented both for in-house and cloud-based enterprise applications.
