Passwords alone aren't enough to fend off hackers, so multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that's often added to help users protect their accounts. MFA requires users to provide additional information to verify their requests, creating an extra layer of access that's harder for hackers to obtain and use. Learn how MFA works, what factors it uses, and why the benefits far outweigh the extra effort.

What is MFA?

TechTarget defines MFA as an IT security technology that uses at least two pieces of unique information from different types of credentials to confirm a verified user's identity for account logins or transactions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a less common subset of MFA because it uses precisely two factors. The added defenses of MFA and 2FA make it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access to an account or source.

What are the main types of authentication factors?

MFA uses a combination of authentication factors from at least two of these three main categories to confirm that a user's login attempt is legitimate:

• Something they know—Passwords, PIN codes, or security questions
• Something they have—Authenticator apps, one-time passcodes, emails, text messages, or hardware tokens
• Something they are—Biometrics like fingerprints, facial scans, or voice recognition

Each of these authentication forms offers different levels of security and unique effort requirements. For example, a security question can be easy to use and remember when recovering accounts. An authenticator app is simple to use for MFA but can have a learning curve. Brian Schlechter, Director of IT at Bit-Wizards, warns that a lower threshold of user effort can sometimes come with a lower level of added security.

"Security questions are a less reliable way to use MFA, especially if you use correct answers," he explains. "If people answer a security question with information that's easily found on social media or public websites, a hacker is more likely to get through that than to steal your phone and get a one-time code from your authenticator app."

What are the benefits of MFA?

MFA gives your accounts a much-needed security boost against cyber threats. According to the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, using MFA makes it 99% less likely to be hacked than only using a password. Even if you use poor password practices or fall victim to a phishing attack, Schlechter says you're still protected by the additional factor that's difficult to get and nearly impossible to guess.

"Getting your password isn't enough for hackers if you use MFA," he clarifies. "Requiring two separate pieces of information increases the difficulty of getting into your accounts."

Additionally, MFA can help you detect potential attacks since it prompts additional factors for each login attempt. If you get a one-time code for an account login you don't recognize, protecting your information is as easy as simply denying the request. Even if a login attempt is legitimate, MFA can generate a new factor after an initial request is denied.

Is MFA fool-proof?

While MFA is a much-needed IT security measure, it's not always a perfect defense. Authentication itself is a well-protected element that's hard to hack, but it's less effective if you go into autopilot when approving requests. Some consider MFA to be more of an inconvenience than an asset, and bad actors use that to their advantage.

MFA spamming is a cyberattack trend where hackers attempt to access an account and overwhelm their targets with requests. They hope to target potential victims who don't pay attention to MFA-prompted login attempts and approve them without thinking, leaving sensitive information vulnerable. Thankfully, you can thwart these attacks by taking the time to check each MFA request before responding to it.

Why should businesses use MFA?

In an ever-changing technology and threat landscape, businesses can't afford to try and protect their employees and customers with passwords alone. Even if you use secure all of your company's passwords, you only have one barrier that keeps your livelihood safe from a data breach. The rise in passwords elevates the risk even more, with NordPass finding that employees have an average of 87 passwords for business accounts.

"The number of passwords each person has to remember has increased by almost 70% in the past three years, so they tend to either reuse passwords or make them easy enough to remember," he says. "It may be more convenient for them, but it also makes it easier for hackers to get in."

How do I set up MFA for my business?

MFA is usually available for most online accounts, so the exact set-up steps for each service can vary. Generally, you'd have to create a new account or log into an existing one to provide a username and password as the first factor. You'd then set up an authenticator app or other contact information to receive the additional factors. If using an authenticator app, you can configure settings to use the same one to verify MFA on different accounts.

The timeline and effort for adding MFA depends on the number of employees multiplied by the accounts and services you use. Implementing it across the board can be tedious and challenging, and employees may find the change intrusive. Schlechter emphasizes that working with a managed service provider (MSP) can make this process easier and less noticeable for your team.

"For example, an MSP can help you set up MFA and create geolocation rules so your employees aren't prompted as often in your office," he says. "Different settings can make it easier for your employees to do their jobs and access what they need while still keeping your business secure."

Upgrade your IT security with Bit-Wizards

Using MFA is an excellent way to protect your company's data more effectively. Still, it's only one of many steps you need to take to stay secure. With our Managed IT Services (MITS), your business leverages our multilayered approach with robust security measures that Schlechter says go above and beyond what other MSPs offer.

"We use MFA, enterprise-grade firewalls, VPNs, and so much more to offer a more complete solution," he shares. "Our team looks over your situation, implements the best combination of strategies, and provides thorough help desk support every step of the way."

Ready to protect your business with MFA and other security measures? Get in touch.