Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security procedure that involves multiple stages in the user login process, requiring individuals to provide more than just a password. The primary objective of MFA is to establish a layered defense system that significantly heightens the difficulty for unauthorized individuals attempting to gain access to a specific target, be it a physical location, computer, network, or database. Even if one factor within the authentication process is compromised or breached, the presence of one or more additional barriers ensures that the attacker must overcome multiple security layers before successfully infiltrating the target.
The Significance of Multifactor Authentication
One of the most significant drawbacks of traditional user identification and password-based logins is the susceptibility of passwords to compromise, potentially resulting in substantial financial losses for organizations. In addition to this vulnerability, the threat of brute-force attacks is ever-present, as malicious actors can employ automated tools to systematically test various combinations of usernames and passwords until they identify the correct sequence. While the practice of locking an account after a certain number of unsuccessful login attempts can offer some protection to organizations, hackers have at their disposal an array of other methods for gaining access to systems and carrying out cyber attacks. This underscores the critical importance of implementing a multifactor authentication process, as it serves as a robust measure for mitigating security risks.