Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security system that verifies a user’s identity by requiring multiple credentials. Rather than just asking for a username and password, MFA requires other—additional—credentials, such as a code from the user’s smartphone, a fingerprint, or facial recognition.

MFA is an effective way to provide enhanced security. Traditional usernames and passwords can be stolen, and they’ve become increasingly more vulnerable to brute force attacks. MFA creates multiple layers of security to help increase the confidence that the user requesting access is actually whom they claim to be.

With MFA, a cybercriminal may steal one credential but will be thwarted by having to verify identity in a different manner.

Securing company network logins for workstations, servers or website with MFA help your business overall Network Security.

Multi-Factor Authentication methods currently available include:

• Hardware Tokens – These are small physical devices that a user can carry that helps with authentication. They come in many forms like smart cards with a card reader, key fobs with a changing authentication code or a USB device which will generate a one-time use passcode that the user enters when prompted to do so.
• Soft Tokens – These are software based applications that generate one-time use passcodes and are usually found on mobile devices. They use technology where a notification is sent to the mobile application and the user can press a button to approve or decline the authentication request based on whether the user made the request or not. Soft tokens are generally cheaper and easier to use than hardware tokens.
• SMS/text message – A one-time use passcode is texted to the user’s mobile phone and the user can then submit the passcode into the network login screen.
• Phone call – With this method, a user receives a phone call to a number that the user pre-registers. If the user provides the correct response to the voice prompt, authentication will continue.
• Email – The user will receive an email with a link to verify the authentication request. If the user clicks the link, authentication proceeds.
• Security questions – In this case, users are given pre-defined security questions to answer in order to proceed with authentication.
• Biometric – These include fingerprint recognition, a retina scan, facial recognition and so on. Most smartphones have these methods built into them so they are very popular options for MFA.

Sparx Technologies can help implement MFA for your business. Contact us today!