What Does MFA Stand For? (& Does Your Org Really Need It?)

Hackers seem to always be one step ahead of us. Is there ever a way to get one step ahead of them to keep our data secure? Meet MFA. 

What does MFA stand for? Multi-Factor Authentication.

What Does MFA Stand For?

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a security system that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or VPN.

Unlike traditional single-factor authentication methods that rely solely on a password, MFA adds extra layers of security by combining multiple independent credentials.

The concept behind MFA is simple yet powerful: even if one factor is compromised, the chances of an unauthorized user gaining access to the other methods of authentication required are highly unlikely.

This approach is based on the principle that an individual will be unable to provide the additional factors required for authentication, even if they manage to obtain the user’s password.

MFA typically involves a combination of something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (such as a smartphone or security token), and something you are (biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition).

Common Types of MFA: What Does MFA Stand for in Cybersecurity?

There are several types of MFA methods available, each with its own strengths and use cases.

Biometric

Biometric authentication is one of the most secure and convenient forms of MFA, relying on the unique physical characteristics of an individual, such as fingerprints, facial features, or even voice patterns, to prove identity

Many modern smartphones and laptops come equipped with biometric sensors, making this form of authentication increasingly accessible.

For example, a user may be required to enter their password and then scan their fingerprint to access a sensitive application. This combination of something they know (the password) and something they are (their fingerprint) creates a robust security barrier that’s extremely difficult to bypass.

Push Notification

Push notification MFA has gained popularity due to its user-friendly nature. When a user attempts to log in, a notification is sent to their registered mobile device. The user then simply needs to approve or deny the login attempt through the notification.

This method is particularly effective because it leverages a device that most people always have with them – their smartphone. It also provides real-time alerts about login attempts, allowing users to quickly identify and report any unauthorized access attempts.

Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)

Time-Based One-Time Passwords, or TOTP, are temporary codes generated by an authenticator app on a user’s mobile device. These codes typically expire after a short period, usually 30 to 60 seconds.

To use TOTP, a user would enter their username and password, and then input the current code displayed in their authenticator app. This method is widely used by many online services and provides a good balance between security and convenience.

Hardware Tokens

Hardware tokens are physical devices that generate one-time passwords or codes. These can be in the form of USB keys, smart cards, or key fobs. When a user attempts to log in, they need to enter the code displayed on their hardware token in addition to their regular credentials.

While hardware tokens provide a high level of security, they do require users to carry an additional device. However, for organizations dealing with highly sensitive information, the added security can far outweigh the inconvenience.

Security Questions

Security questions, while not as robust as some other MFA methods, can still provide an additional layer of security when used in combination with other factors. This method involves setting up pre-determined questions with unique answers known only to the user.

When logging in, after entering their username and password, a user might be prompted to answer one or more of these security questions. The strength of this method lies in its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t require any additional devices or software.

However, it’s important to note that security questions can be vulnerable to social engineering attacks if the answers are easily guessable or obtainable through public information. That’s why it’s crucial to choose questions and answers that are personal and not readily available to others.

For example, instead of using common questions like “What’s your mother’s maiden name?”, users might be encouraged to create custom questions like “What was the name of your imaginary friend in childhood?”. This approach significantly increases the difficulty for potential attackers to correctly guess or research the answers.

Email

Email-based MFA is a widely used method due to its accessibility and ease of implementation. In this approach, after entering their primary credentials, users receive a one-time code or a verification link sent to their registered email address.

This method leverages the assumption that access to the user’s email account is restricted to the user alone, thus adding an extra layer of security. It’s particularly useful for services that don’t require frequent logins or for users who may not always have access to their mobile devices.

For instance, when logging into an online banking portal, a user might enter their username and password, after which the system sends a unique code to their email. The user then retrieves this code from their email and enters it on the login page to complete the authentication process.

While email-based MFA is generally more secure than using a password alone, it’s important to note that the security of this method is only as strong as the security of the email account itself. Therefore, we recommend using strong, unique passwords for email accounts and, ideally, to secure the email account with its own form of MFA.

Additionally, some systems implement a time limit on the validity of the emailed code, further enhancing security by reducing the window of opportunity for potential attackers.

The Importance of MFA in Data Security Posture Management: What Does MFA Stand for in IT?

Now that we’ve answered “What does MFA stand for?”, let’s explore why it’s crucial for an organization’s data security posture management.

Enhancing Overall Security

MFA significantly enhances an organization’s overall security posture. By requiring multiple forms of authentication, it creates multiple barriers that attackers need to overcome. This dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if one factor (like a password) is compromised.

For instance, if a cybercriminal manages to obtain an employee’s password through a phishing attack, they would still need to bypass additional authentication factors to gain access. This extra layer of security can be the difference between a successful breach and a thwarted attempt.

Protecting Against Common Cyber Threats

MFA is particularly effective in protecting against common cyber threats such as phishing attacks, credential stuffing, and brute-force attempts. These attacks often rely on obtaining or guessing user passwords, which become far less effective when additional authentication factors are required.

Consider a scenario where an attacker has obtained a list of stolen passwords. In a single-factor authentication system, they could potentially access multiple accounts. However, with MFA in place, the attacker would need additional factors for each account, making large-scale breaches much more difficult and time-consuming.

Regulation Compliance

Many industries are subject to regulations that require robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Implementing MFA can help organizations meet these compliance requirements and avoid potential penalties.

For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requires MFA for all remote access to the network by employees, administrators, and third parties. Similarly, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) strongly recommends MFA for accessing electronically protected health information.

Mitigation of Insider Threats

Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, pose a significant risk to organizations. MFA can help mitigate these risks by making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access sensitive systems or data, even if they have obtained valid credentials.

For instance, if a disgruntled employee attempts to access sensitive data outside of their normal working hours or from an unfamiliar location, MFA can provide an additional barrier and alert security teams to the unusual activity.

Stay Secure with Qohash!

You know what MFA stands for; however, implementing MFA is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to comprehensive data security posture management. That’s where Qohash comes in!

Our advanced data security solutions can help you complement your MFA protocols by tracking your data and discovering data loss threats before it’s too late. Request a demo today!