Cyber Security Awareness Month – Multi Factor Authentication

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

October is Cyber Security Awareness month. Join us every week of October for some hints and information about some security basics to keep your organisation security focused. Remember security is driven by people, so use your security technology to support and enhance their capability and knowledge, to transform hem into your business’s best security feature.

Week one – Multi Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security practice that enhances the protection of digital accounts and systems by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before gaining access. Here are five quick facts about MFA:

Enhanced Security: MFA significantly improves security by adding an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. It typically requires at least two of the following factors: something you know (password), something you have (a smartphone or security token), and something you are (biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition).

Reduced Risk of Unauthorized Access: MFA helps prevent unauthorized access to accounts, even if someone has stolen or guessed your password. Without the additional verification factors, access remains denied.

Widespread Adoption: Many online services, including email providers, banking institutions, and social media platforms, now offer MFA options. Users are encouraged to enable MFA whenever possible to bolster their account security.

Various Implementation Methods: MFA can be implemented in different ways, such as through text messages, mobile apps (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy), hardware tokens, or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition). The choice of method depends on the user’s preference and the service provider’s options.

Regulatory Compliance: MFA is often required for compliance with various data protection regulations and standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Implementing MFA can help organizations meet these requirements and avoid fines or penalties.

In summary, MFA is a crucial security measure that adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, making it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access accounts and systems. It is widely adopted, offered by many online services, and can be implemented through various methods to meet different security needs.