Multifactor authentication (MFA) combines two or more independent credentials to verify the identity of a user logging in to a system. These credentials may include two or more of the following:

• Something the user knows, such as a password
• Something the user has, such as an SMS code
• Something the user is, such as a fingerprint scan

The purpose of MFA is to create a layered defense system that reduces reliance on passwords and exponentially improves protection against attacks like the following:

#1. Keylogger malware

Keyloggers are malicious programs installed by hackers to record the input of information via a keyboard. By capturing every keystroke and sending the logs over the internet, an attacker can gain access to things like usernames and passwords. However, keyloggers can’t record independent credentials like SMS codes or fingerprints.

#2. Phishing

Most attacks start with a social engineering scam carried out to dupe unsuspecting users into giving away sensitive details like login information. Since it will be extremely difficult for an attacker to get their hands on the second verification method, MFA will keep the system out of their reach.

#3. Spear phishing

Spear phishing scams use similar social engineering tactics to regular phishing scams, except that they are targeted toward specific victims with personalized content. The most effective spear phishing scams demonstrate intimate knowledge of the target. However, as with other scams, hackers won’t be able to gain access into any system even if they duped their target into disclosing passwords.

#4. Man-in-the-middle attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks attempt to intercept data in transit. Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are a common source of these attacks, since the data sent between the endpoint and the local router often isn’t encrypted. Eavesdropping malware may gather login credentials or session tokens, but MFA can combat this by using a further, independent verification method.

#5. Brute force hacks

A brute force password attack uses malware to try every possible combination of characters until it finds the right one. While longer passwords take exponentially longer to crack to the point a brute force attack becomes practically impossible, MFA helps protect against weak passwords, as well as those used across multiple accounts.

#6. Credential stuffing

Many people have developed the lamentable security habit of reusing passwords across many online accounts. Hackers take advantage of this by using the stolen login credentials from one account on many others. Again, by providing a secondary authentication layer to protect the most important accounts, MFA greatly reduces the effectiveness of credential stuffing attacks.

When should you use MFA?

Most online services now regard multifactor authentication as standard security practice. However, even if a particular account doesn’t enforce it, you should always use MFA if it’s available, especially for any accounts or systems that handle sensitive data. While MFA won’t protect against every type of cyberthreat, each additional security layer will boost your business’s information security exponentially.

Simplified IT Consulting provides cybersecurity expertise and services to help you protect your business from hackers, social engineering scammers, and malware. Call us today to rest easy,knowing that your data is in safe hands.