Multi-factor authentication is becoming an ever-present feature of our most-loved apps and services – but just how good is it at stopping hackers? Here, we look at the benefits of enabling it on your accounts.
Enhanced security protocols are becoming increasingly important as cybercriminals diversify their ways to gain access to our accounts.
As worrying as it sounds, a strong password isn’t necessarily enough to protect you. And that’s what makes multi-factor authentication so important.
Multi-factor authentication is one of the strongest tools in our arsenal as it requires users to identify themselves using more than just their username and passwords.
Security questions are a perfect example of this, although most websites and apps are now requiring new ways to verify your identity after each log-in attempt.
The technology comes in various forms, but the principle behind it always works the same. It makes it mandatory for a user to follow an additional security check that a hacker shouldn’t be able to follow.
This typically comes in the form of downloading apps that provide one-time passwords (OTPs), which you must provide after a log-in attempt. These can also be sent by text or email.
But arguably the strongest form comes through inherence – using biometrics to verify your identity. You might already use this when logging into your bank app for example, when you are asked to provide fingerprint or facial recognition.
Multi-factor authentication encompasses at least two forms of enhanced factors for each attempt, meaning users may be asked to verify their identity multiple times before a successful log-in.
Multi-factor authentication significantly bolsters defences against some of the most dangerous and prevalent attacks.
It can be scarily simple for hackers to find your passwords through so-called “brute force” attacks. Enabling multi-factor authentication stops them in their tracks should the worst happen.
More sophisticated methods such as keylogging and man-in-the-middle attacks can also be prevented.
In all cases, multi-factor authentication can build a barrier to a breach. Without access to secondary devices such as your mobile phone – or your biometrics, they cannot get any further.
Just like with all technology, multi-factor authentication isn’t perfect. Although that’s not necessarily the fault of the technology itself.
So-called “multi-factor authentication fatigue” has hit the headlines in recent months. That is because hackers have found a way to get through – and in a simple way.
Hackers are spamming log-in requests to compromised accounts, flooding users’ authentication apps with verification requests. Believing this may be a glitch, increasing numbers of people are approving the requests just to make them stop.
Software giants are quickly responding to the issue however, with Microsoft now making number matching on multiple devices a default feature on its authentication tool.
Users can also become annoyed with constant authentication requests, although thankfully adaptive authentication is becoming increasingly popular.
The technology ensures each log-in attempt is analysed before sending an authentication request. That can save the annoyance of having to verify every login you make thanks to the way it analyses behavioural patterns such as log-in times, locations and Wi-Fi networks.
Every business should have multi-factor authentication enabled on all staff accounts.
With phishing attacks becoming more prevalent, a strong frontline is vital in preventing hackers gaining access.
A range of tools are available to help you set up multi-factor authentication and make each request a speedy and safe experience.
The SMY IT Services team has decades of cybersecurity experience and is here to help with all your security needs.
Contact the team today to find out more.
There has been a noticeable improvement…Thank you very much for your assistance.
- Chris Addis -