Multi-Factor Authentication is an authentication method that requires a minimum of 2 identity verification forms to gain access to an account, application, data set, etc. This is an additional layer of security for a user’s online account. To gain access, user must enter a password, and then confirm the login attempt through a special program, code, etc. An additional verification method can prevent gaining unauthorized access by cybercriminals, thereby preventing a cyberattack. Setting up and using authentication is one of the most important and simple cybersecurity tools, making it accessible to any person and organization.

Authentication is critical to many security policies in terms of protecting sensitive data and preventing data leakage. Cybercriminals often use special software to steal login information. Also, users themselves can increase the risk of becoming a victim by setting the same data for several inputs. Lack of validation makes users a bait for attackers.

Organizations should implement an identity and access management (IAM) system that also authenticates user credentials. In this case, it is possible to control user access to critical corporate information and prevent unauthorized users from accessing data.

According to statistics, 99.9% of compromised users didn’t use multi-factor authentication. It is also important to regularly update a security system to eliminate older security protocols usage. As a rule, they don’t include support for multi-factor authentication, that significantly increases the risk of information leakage.

Authentication factors:

1. Knowledge factor – user information for identity verification: PIN code, security questions, secure passwords;
2. Possession factor – physical possession of a thing for identity verification: one-time passwords, mobile phone (text messages, authentication applications), smart cards, SIM cards, software tokens (digital authentication keys), physical key or key card;
3. Inherence factor – user’s physical features: biometric data (fingerprint ID, Face ID, voice recognition, retinal scan).

MFA solutions are designed to improve safety. However, each additional factor can complicate the login process. For example, the user can forget the password, lose the mobile device with which he logs into the system. Multi-factor authentication should be used wherever possible but should not be the only form of security.

The main problems of implementing multi-factor authentication:

• Loss or theft of a phone, tokens, etc.;
• Frequent forgetfulness of passwords and answers to control questions;
• Inaccuracy of biometric scanning;
• Availability in the transfer of security keys;
• Expensive implementation.

Ways to simplify the authentication process while maintaining the security level:

1. Adaptive authentication integrates machine learning into the authentication process while taking into account a wide range of information (location, access time, IP address, devices used, VPN, network availability). The method consists in analyzing and identifying suspicious activity. For normal user behavior, basic login information will be required, in case of suspicious behavior, an additional verification factor is requested.
2. Single sign-on (SSO) is a secure authentication process that allows a user to verify their identity across multiple sites and applications. SSO solves the problem of remembering multiple passwords and repeating authentication multiple times.
3. Push authentication – authentication through a mobile application that is tied to a physical device, not a phone number. A text message can be intercepted by attackers, making phone number authentication more dangerous. Push authentication eliminates the problem of re-entering the one-time password and ensures a seamless user experience.