Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhancing Security with Multiple Verification Factors

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, you may want to secure your accounts with something beyond a simple password. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become a trusted and effective tool for protecting sensitive information from cyberattacks. From personal accounts to business systems, MFA is an emerging cornerstone of modern cybersecurity because it reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Find out how MFA offers a more layered approach to security than passwords alone, understand its advantages and downsides, and learn how to implement this cybersecurity measure with your own accounts.

What is meant by MFA?

MFA is a security measure that requires you to verify your identity using two or more factors, such as a security key, one-time password, or facial recognition. Unlike traditional single-factor methods (such as passwords alone), MFA adds a second layer of protection that makes it more difficult for others to access your accounts.

Passwords are one of the most common vulnerabilities on the Internet. This is why MFA is becoming a best practice for securing both personal and professional accounts. Criminals can guess, steal, hack, or crack your passwords, but adding a second layer of verification creates a stronger barrier against unauthorized access.

How MFA works to protect sensitive information

Multi-factor authentication requires at least two different types of verification factors before granting access. For instance, an account protected by MFA might first ask you to enter a password (known as a knowledge factor), then ask you to verify your identity with a code texted to your mobile device (known as a possession factor). This makes sure that even if one factor is compromised, the second factor remains intact, keeping your account secure. 

What are the 3 methods of MFA?

MFA hinges on three methods of authentication: Knowledge factors, possession factors, and inherence factors:

• Knowledge factor: The knowledge factor relies on something only you should know. (Think passwords, PINs, or security questions.) It’s the easiest authentication factor of the bunch, but when used alone, the risk of compromise by phishing or brute-force attacks increases.

• Possession factor: The possession factor requires an item you own, either physically or digitally. This could be a smartphone, a security token, an ID card, a short message service (SMS), an email verification code, or a passcode from an authenticator app.

• Inherence factor: The inherence factor involves your physical traits. This could be a fingerprint, a face scan, or voice recognition. Also known as biometrics, this authentication method is ultra-secure and convenient but may require special hardware or software to work.

MFA examples

Consider the following examples of MFA that you can apply to your own accounts.

• SMS and email verification codes: This method sends a one-time passcode (OTP) to the phone number or email address registered to your account. Enter the code along with your password to verify your identity securely.

• Authenticator apps and push notifications: Authenticator apps generate single-use, time-sensitive codes for you to enter in addition to your password, similar to an OTP. Push notifications send approval requests to your smart device for you to click on and accept or deny. 

• Biometric authentication: This method relies on physical characteristics such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Because of biometrics' inherent uniqueness, they offer an extremely high level of security.

• Hardware security keys: As the name implies, hardware security keys require you to insert a physical MFA key into a USB port to authenticate your identity. Because of the physical aspect, security keys are immune to phishing and hacking.

Benefits of MFA

Before deciding to add MFA to your accounts, it might be helpful for you to understand the advantages of the technology.

• Enhanced security: MFA strengthens account security by requiring multiple forms of verification, making it challenging for attackers to gain access. Businesses and individuals can use MFA to protect their sensitive data.

• Reduced risk of identity theft and fraud: With additional layers of authentication beyond your username and password, MFA can reduce the chance of an unauthorized user accessing your accounts. Without it, you may be more susceptible to identity theft, financial loss, or data breaches.

Limitations of MFA

Now that you understand the benefits of MFA, you can weigh them against the potential downsides.

• Usability and accessibility issues: While MFA enhances security, it can also be a challenge for users who prefer to log in quickly. Accessibility can also be a problem if you don’t have a smartphone or a reliable internet connection.

• Potential risks: Not all MFA methods are equally secure. For instance, SMS authentication may be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks where a cyberattacker steals a victim’s phone number. And data leaks are still possible. While rare, risks do exist for any MFA method.

How to enable MFA

You can enable MFA on your personal or business accounts. Start by assessing your needs and the level of security you require. If you have high-value accounts (such as banking or work systems), you may want to choose one of the more secure methods, like hardware security keys or biometric authentication. For personal accounts, on the other hand, authenticator apps can provide sufficient security. SMS authentication might also work, but it is less secure.

A typical MFA setup might look something like this.

• Enable MFA in account settings: Log in to your account, click the security or privacy section, and look for the option to turn on two-factor or multi-factor authentication.

• Select your MFA method: You can choose from SMS codes, authenticator apps, or biometrics.

• Verify your device or information: If you choose a possession-based method, use the provided QR or manual code to register your phone number, authenticator app, or hardware token. 

• Test and confirm: Finish setting up by jotting down your backup option to avoid being locked out should your MFA method not work.

Learn more about multi-factor authentication on Coursera

Multi-factor authentication is a crucial component of cybersecurity. Learning more about MFA can help you better protect your sensitive information across various devices, accounts, and systems. You can further your understanding of MFA and the protections it offers on Coursera.

IBM’s IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization helps explain the basics of cybersecurity, including multi-factor authentication and other essential tools. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU can help you gain insights into securing personal and business systems against online threats. Additionally, Kennesaw State University’s Managing Cybersecurity Specialization can also serve as a resource on this subject.