A multi-factor authentication (MFA) security system is one of the best ways to protect your data.
But what is multi-factor authentication? This type of security system requires a user to enter two or more pieces of information, like a password and an identification number, before accessing their account. An MFA security system ensures that only people who have both (or all) of these items can access the account in question.
These types of systems are often used by companies such as banks to help prevent unauthorized transactions.
In this article, we’ll cover the top benefits of multi-factor authentication.
1. It Prevents Unauthorized Access to Account
One of the best ways MFA helps you keep your data secure is by preventing unauthorized access to your accounts. As we mentioned earlier, MFA systems need two or more pieces of information before one can access an account.
This means that someone trying to log into your email account from a remote location will have difficulty doing so. They won’t succeed unless they also have your password and another form of identification with them at the time—for instance, a cell phone number or security token.
By requiring users to log in with multiple pieces of information, MFA helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
2. Stops Cybercrimes
Another way MFA can help you keep your data secure is by stopping cybercrimes.
With MFA in place, any unauthorized person who tries to access a password-protected account gets locked out after several unsuccessful attempts. This squashes the chances of them being able to hack into the account and steals all their information.
3. Protects Against Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks are a type of intrusion where hackers intercept communications between two computers or users that are meant for each other.
With MFA implemented, this becomes more difficult as extra security checks will be in place. Accessing accounts protected by MFA requires possessing both the password and another item, like a mobile device or digital token.
4. Prevent Phishing Attempts
Phishing is a type of scam where fraudulent emails that appear to be from credible companies are sent out to steal private information. These messages can trick users into entering their information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and other valuable details.
These scams by cybercriminals occur mainly because they target high-risk users like company executives, IT administrators, and others with access to sensitive data. Since MFA requires multiple pieces of information before accessing accounts, it makes these attempts more difficult for phishers.
If someone attempts to log in using your credentials and other items without permission at the same time, the security system will deny them entry. And multi-factor authentication protects you even if there’s a chance your password has
5. You Can Use It on Any Device
Using MFA doesn’t require you to purchase new equipment. It can be done from any device that has access to the Internet.
You can do MFA from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Many companies even have multi-factor authentication available as a plug-in for browsers that you can use to access their accounts online.
6. It Prevents Unauthorized Changes to Your Account Settings and Information
MFA also helps you protect your account settings and personal information.
For example, if someone tries to change the password on a multi-factor authenticated email account, they won’t do so. Not unless they also have the two or more items used for MFA (such as passwords and cell phone numbers).
MFA security systems add an extra layer of protection to all aspects of your online accounts. And this ensures that only authorized people can change account settings and personal information.
7. Ease-of-Use
Another great MFA has over traditional password-based online security systems is the ease of use. For example, if you have an email account that doesn’t use MFA, your only way to access it would be to remember the password.
If you’ve ever forgotten your password and needed a new one quickly, then you know how inconvenient it can be to deal with this sort of situation. You’ll likely spend lots of time trying to figure out what you used as a password in the first place by using old emails from the account. Or making educated guesses about what you might have set as a password.
This hassle shouldn’t exist for MFA accounts because they rely on more than a password.
You can use an access code sent to your cell phone or a digital token for MFA accounts to gain quick and easy access. This approach makes multi-factor authentication much more convenient than traditional password-only security systems.
8. Security Is Increased for All Users
MFA encourages people to take their security seriously because it has many layers of protection.
When you’ve secured all your accounts with MFA, you know that they’re safe from unauthorized intruders. This can help motivate you into doing the same with other important areas of your life. For example, keeping valuables in a high-quality lockbox when you’re out on vacation.
With MFA, you’re creating a safer environment that’s more difficult for criminals to break into.
9. Compliance
Multi-factor authentication security systems are also compatible with various compliance requirements. This can be an important benefit if you need to meet regulatory standards.
For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) requires MFA for all credit card transactions.
10. Compatibility With Single Sign-On Solutions
Lastly, MFA security systems work seamlessly with single sign-on (SSO) solutions. With MFA and SSO in combination, you can log in to multiple accounts with just one password. This makes MFA much more convenient to use than traditional password-only systems.
Check out DevSecOps best data security practices here.
Multi-factor Authentication: Benefits for Businesses
Multi-factor authentication is a great way to protect online information by using a multi-layered security system. This system can prevent hackers from accessing your information, even if they gain access to your password.
By implementing MFA for all the accounts that contain sensitive information, you’ll be on the right track towards creating a safer environment for yourself and your business.
We hope that this guide has been insightful and informative. If you’re interested in more information, keep reading our blog posts.