What are the Types of MFA & Best MFA for Your Business

In this digital era, where many businesses operate online, having robust cybersecurity measures is crucial for success. There have been numerous cases of security breaches resulting from human errors, including the use of weak or compromised passwords.

To save businesses from breaches, different types of multi-factor authentication come into play. But what exactly are MFA options or types? Let us understand in detail the types of MFA.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is a type of cybersecurity measure which requires more than one factor to verify a user's identity before granting access. In simple words, the various forms of MFA help in enforcing strong security measures instead of relying solely on passwords.

To gain access to the network, users must enter their password and other authentication methods. These authentication methods can be either something they know (like passwords), something they have (like an OTP) or something they are (like fingerprints). Due to this, unauthorised access becomes more challenging.

The various types of MFA options help ensure that even if one factor is compromised, hackers or cyber attackers are unlikely to gain access to the network due to the other factors.

Different Types of Multi-Factor Authentication

Email Authentication

One commonly used Multi-Factor Authentication method is email codes. With this approach, users authenticate themselves by clicking on an email link or using a one-time password (OTP) consisting of either a six- or four-digit code.

The MFA system sends the code to the user's primary email address. It helps verify the user's identity during the sign-in process.

Below are some points to consider when implementing the process of email authentication:

Email transmission may not always be secure, allowing unauthorised parties to intercept unencrypted messages. To mitigate this risk, use shorter challenge lifetimes for email magic links and one-time password (OTP) codes.
Email messages might end up in users' spam or junk folders. Here, it is best to remind users to check these folders if they are still waiting to receive the email authentication message in their primary inbox.
Networking issues can cause delays in email delivery. In such cases, users may need to request another email authentication message if the original one arrives after the challenge lifetime has expired.
Email can also serve as a means of account recovery, allowing users to set an expiration time for security tokens, thereby enhancing the overall security of their accounts.

SMS or Text Authentication

This type of authentication is relatively straightforward. Once a user signs in, they receive a text message containing an SMS authentication code.

To access the respective app or website, they must enter that code. You have likely encountered this process when logging into platforms like Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter and other similar services.

SMS authentication operates as a possession-based factor, validating a user's identity based on something they possess, such as their mobile phone. This additional layer of security enhances the login process.

Unauthorised access to an account would require bad actors to steal a user's password and phone.

Biometric Verification

Among the types of authentication discussed above, biometrics is considered both the most secure and the most user-friendly.

Biometrics offers enhanced security because it is the only authentication factor that provides certainty to organisations that the individual on the other end of an internet connection is indeed the person they claim to be.

Unlike passwords or devices, which can be shared or stolen, one's physical biometric attributes, such as their face, cannot be easily replicated or duplicated. Biometric face authentication ensures that the identity is accurate and trustworthy.

Furthermore, biometrics is highly usable due to the inherent nature of always having your unique physical attributes with you. Unlike passwords that can be forgotten or devices that can be misplaced, your face is a constant and easily accessible identifier.

Also, implementing passive biometrics can make the authentication process effortless for users, enhancing its usability and convenience.

Physical Key

While the preceding forms of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) have been virtual, a physical key is a tangible object that can be held.

Users will insert the physical key into a device or computer to gain access to information. Companies often provide physical keys to their most valuable users, particularly for securing sensitive accounts and data such as banking, insurance and investment information.

Considered one of the most secure MFA methods, a physical key offers robust protection. But, it is only suitable for some due to certain limitations. Firstly, it can be costly, making it impractical for businesses with budget constraints to secure all team members' email accounts.

Additionally, since it is a physical object, there is a risk of misplacement and loss. Although the physical key is typically expensive, it serves as a reminder that, besides security, the ease of access should also be considered when selecting an MFA option.

Authenticator Applications

Authenticator apps operate using Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) technology. This algorithm generates a unique code at regular intervals, typically every 30 seconds.

The code relies on the current time and a shared secret key between the authenticator app and the service or website being accessed.

These apps provide two additional authentication options. Users can receive a notification to approve or decline access attempts to their accounts.

Alternatively, they can enter the randomly changing authentication code displayed by third-party authenticator (TPA) applications, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

This code, frequently refreshed, must be entered after the user's username and password to access the desired system or service.

Also Read: Key Requirements for an Effective Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Solution

How Do MFA Types Work?

Multi-factor authentication uses a series of protocols to verify the user’s identity. The series of protocols used in multi-factor authentication is:

Something You Know

In the 'something you know' category, users need to enter the PIN, security question, or password, which only they know.

Something You Have

In the "something you have" category, users need to enter the passcode from the device they have, such as a smartcard or hardware key. Under this, users need to have a physical device to get the code.

Something You Are

Another crucial category of MFA involves something the user provides, which includes their fingerprints, retinal scan, facial recognition, etc. In this case, the user needs to undergo a biometric process to access the resources.

Something Else

The MFA also involves another category, which is called something else, which generally includes the location, IP address and typing patterns.

Working of MFA

The working of the multi-factor authentication method is straightforward; users must employ one or more authentication methods to gain access. The first step is, users need to enter a password, which can be easily breached through social engineering and brute force attacks.

However, when using MFA techniques such as fingerprints or security tokens in conjunction with a primary authentication method, it can be complicated for attackers to access or breach the resources.

It is challenging for attackers to steal or replicate fingerprints, facial recognition and other biometric data.

Why the Types of MFA Matter?

Each of these types of MFA plays a crucial role in creating a flexible, secure and user-friendly authentication process.

Layered Defense

One of the reasons for using the MFA mechanism is to offer a layered defence system to the business. Combining possession, behaviour, knowledge, etc., offers robust, multilayered security to businesses, which prevents various attack methods.

User-friendly Security

Another reason to use different types of MFA is its user-friendly security. The advanced MFA defence mechanism can be applied in business security operations without disrupting day-to-day tasks.

Flexible Security

The MFA security is also crucial due to the varying levels of security based on data sensitivity and access levels. In this type of security, an organisation has the flexibility to adjust security requirements as needed.

How to Choose the Best MFA Options?

Choosing the best MFA options is crucial for businesses as their security depends on it. However, the right MFA security is a combination of user experience, resource availability and more. Here are some of the key considerations that can help in choosing the MFA types.

Risk Assessment

The very first thing needed to consider while choosing the MFA types is a risk assessment of your business. By evaluating the level of security required, organisations can adopt strong MFA options to protect their high-risk data. Furthermore, to protect lower-risk data, businesses can employ simpler methods, such as email codes.

User Experience

Another crucial aspect to consider when employing MFA types is their impact on users. If the MFA option employed by the business is complex, then it can disturb the user experience. Hence, businesses must find the perfect combination of MFA that does not compromise the user experience.

Cost and Infrastructure

The cost and infrastructure are other factors businesses need to consider while employing any MFA type. Suppose a business chooses physical devices, such as smartcards or token keys; then, it needs to make a substantial investment in hardware and management systems.

However, software-based solutions, on the other hand, such as authenticator apps, etc, are easy to deploy and cost-effective.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

In addition to this, when choosing MFA types, it is also crucial to consider the accessibility and inclusivity of the MFA for all users. It is best to choose the MFA method type that the workforce can easily access.

Regulatory Compliance

While employing MFA types, ensuring that they meet industry-specific regulatory requirements is also crucial. Various industries have specific guidelines about the type of MFA used in the industry.

Technology Integration

Another factor to consider when implementing MFA options is how easily they can be integrated into the existing system. It is best to choose the MFA that is compatible with your IT infrastructure and easy to implement.

Security Training and Awareness

Lastly, having security training and awareness about the MFA type is also crucial, irrespective of the type of MFA used. Organisations need to conduct proper training to train their employees about the importance of MFA.

Conclusion

MFA is highly preferred due to its advanced security against potential intruders. With MFA, the attacker would require multiple attack skills and simultaneous successful attacks to imitate the victim, making it significantly more challenging. This makes MFA a resilient solution for login purposes.

InstaSafe offers a Multi-Factor Authentication solution that includes granular policies, enabling the implementation of policies at the user, application, or globally through an admin dashboard.

Additionally, it provides self-service capabilities, empowering users to choose and update their authentication controls according to their preferences. Book a free demo with us to experience the benefits of an intuitive, comprehensive dashboard for administrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MFA stop the data breach?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces the risk of data breaches by adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords. However, it cannot completely prevent breaches, especially if attackers exploit other vulnerabilities, such as phishing or software flaws.

Is the MFA option easy to implement?

Yes, MFA is generally easy to implement, especially with modern tools and platforms that offer built-in support. However, setup complexity can vary depending on the system's size, user base and integration requirements.

Can MFA and VPN work together?

Yes, MFA and VPN can work together and often do in secure environments. MFA adds an extra layer of identity verification before granting VPN access, making it much harder for unauthorised users to connect even if they have login credentials.

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MFA | I&AM | ZTNA | Zero Trust Application Access | Secure Enterprise Browser

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