How Multifactor Authentication Works

The internet is quite a vulnerable space to be in, which is why staying safe online is so important.

We understand how significant the login process to any website, app, or online resource is. It’s to verify a user’s identity so an unwanted third-party can’t access your data online. It also helps reduce the effects of phishing.

Login authentication is required to ensure everyone who has access to an online data system is who they say they are.

A third-party can access your username and static password. However, if the verification process goes a bit further than this, it will be tougher for them to breach your personal details.

Have you ever wondered why you’re sometimes required to input a little more than your username and password? That’s what we refer to as multifactor authentication (MFA).

What is multi-factor authentication?

MFA is an extra but uncomplicated step in the login process.

It is a verification method requiring users to confirm their identities through two or more independent factors. They will only be able to gaining access to an online account, website, application, or any other online resource by providing these details.

It goes beyond the regular ‘input your name and password’ to log in.

This way, the chances of infiltration or breach are reduced because further verification factors are required.

This authentication process is a part of the identity and access management (IAM) policy put in place to reduce the chances of a security breach taking place. The MFA process usually requires at least two authentication methods.

Why is multi-factor authentication important?

Multifactor authentication benefits any security strategy and has a couple of advantages for individuals and organizations alike. They include:

Improved security

When compared to basic passwords and single-password authentication processes, MFA helps to offer systems greater security from hacking or phishing. The main benefit of MFA is that it brings in that extra security to protect user data. It can also enhance the reputation of a company and trust in an online product to provide a competitive advantage.

Reduced costs

In the bigger picture, the cost of phishing can be pretty high. However, raising security standards through MFA can reduce the cost of fixing damage on network resources.

Increased efficiency and flexibility

Even though it may include more than two authentication methods, MFA is improving to make greater use of passive methods like software tokens and biometrics and reduce its reliance on static passwords.

This means it’s improving the login process and the entire user experience. A flexible login process means a lot to users, as it makes their lives easier and more straightforward.

When users write reviews about enjoying an exceptional experience using an online product or service, it may just be another way of saying “I was able to log in without any stress!”

How does multi-factor authentication work?

Ultimately, MFA works by using extra verification methods to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to an online network or account. It goes two steps ahead of static usernames and passwords and a step ahead of two-factor authentication (2FA).

Therefore, even if an impersonator gets through the first steps, they are unlikely to provide the correct information to pass through the next required steps.

The idea is that the different authentication methods don’t come from the same category to qualify as MFAs.

Multifactor authentication methods

The additional verification credentials required must be met using information from the following categories:

• Something the user knows (knowledge) such as passwords or pins,
• One thing the user has (possession) such as a smartphone app, or
• Something the user is (inherent) such as fingerprints, retina scans, facial recognition, voice recognition, or behavioral analysis.

Aside from using the ATM at the bank, the most common MFA requirement example is the one-time based password (OTP) method. With OTP, you’re required to log in and provide a temporary passcode sent through an email, phone call, or text message.

However, there’s more to this authentication method than this, and that’s what we’re here for.

Major multi factor authentication examples and methods

Here are some concrete examples to better understand MFA…  

Knowledge-based MFA

This is the most commonly used and vulnerable method of multifactor authentication. It’s usually based on passwords, PINS, or answers to security questions. Having just passwords in place can be a bit tardy and pose a threat to security, despite being seemingly straightforward.

First, we have different platforms where we need to enter passwords to gain access. It’s very tempting to use one password across all platforms. However, doing so can pose a significant security threat. If one platform is breached, the impersonator can potentially access all of a person’s internet resources.

On the flip side, maintaining different passwords for different platforms can be tiring. Besides, one can easily forget a particular password.

Security questions may seem like a more efficient option, especially when based on a user-friendly, dynamic, and contextualized question the user has quick access to.

The reality is that knowledge-based methods are less secure than the rest. This is why it’s important to pair them up with other categories of authentication. That’s the problem MFA has come to curb in the first place.

Possession-based MFA

Another method of authentication is through possession factors a user has. It’s likened to having a key to a lock. In this case, it’s usually via a readily available smartphone using apps, QR codes, SMS text with a code, soft and hard tokens, or a security badge.

They’re usually harder to infiltrate compared to knowledge factors. This is because they’re outside the network resource. However, this method isn’t 100% foolproof as smartphones and mobile networks can present internal security issues.

A soft token is a piece of code stored in a cookie on a device. This way, the user will require software and a level of expertise to use it properly. They may get copied if they aren’t properly stored.

One-time passwords can be categorized as both knowledge and possession factors. You know them, and you get them on something you possess (in this case, your smartphone).

Inherent MFA

This category is an advanced authentication method and often regarded as the safest of them all. It includes biometrics like fingerprint, face, and retina scans. Voice recognition and keystroke metrics are new types of behavioral inputs that are reliable and unique.

However, the problem with this is how some devices are not equipped with the software, processing power, and hardware necessary to use this MFA category.

What makes an authentication process multifactor is when you combine more than two different verification factors.

Beyond these three major categories, other multifactor authentication solutions are becoming mainstream too.

Other multi-factor authentication examples and methods

These methods incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence to make more sophisticated authentication methods. They include:

Location/time-based authentication

With a combination of GPS coordinates, network metadata and parameters, and device recognition, it’s possible to authenticate systems with these adaptive data points. They don’t usually require a large amount of data from the user because they work in the background.

This type of authentication increases productivity because of their flexibility. They suit large organizations best because of the level of software and expertise needed.

Risk-based or adaptive authentication

This method is about algorithms and calculated risks derived from the context of specific login requests. It attempts to answer questions like:  

• What were the user's time and location when they attempted to access information?
• What kind of device is it and how often is it used?  
• What type of connection is used?

This method aims to lessen redundant logins and provide a more user-friendly workflow. It requires software to learn how users interact with a system and expertise to set up and manage. Again, it’s suited for large organizations.

Social media login

Social media can do a lot more than it seems – it can provide a route to verify identities on websites through social media usernames and passwords. It’s easier to access and available to different levels of users.

Push-based two-factor authentication or 2FA

This is an advanced level of two-factor authentication because of the additional layers of security it works with. It sends notifications via data networks to give users data access on their mobile devices.

Multi-factor authentication v. other authentication methods

Are there other types of authentication methods? And how is it different from MFA?

Multifactor authentication V. two-factor authentication

It’s not uncommon to see these two terms used interchangeably. However, 2FA is just a subset of MFA. Like the names suggest, 2FA restricts the verification methods to two (usually knowledge and possession). At the same time, MFA gives liberty to go beyond two.

Multifactor authentication v. single sign-on or SSO

The single sign-on system (SSO) allows you to use a particular set of login credentials to access different systems and applications that usually require separate logins. SSO is simply about improving productivity. MFA, on the other hand, is a security enhancement channel. SSO can be a part of the MFA process but shouldn’t be independent of the latter.

How to get started on the multifactor authentication process

Okay so now you know how important it is to activate MFA for your online accounts, what are the steps you have to take?

Multi-factor authentication for Office 365

Several cloud-based systems provide internalized MFA offerings such as Microsoft’s Office 365 product. Office 365 uses the Azure Active Directory (AD) authentication system. It provides only four basic options for additional authentication factors: Microsoft Authenticator, SMS, Voice, and OAuth Token.

However, suppose you aren’t using a cloud-based system running on a default multifactor authentication system. In this case, you definitely need an MFA solution capable of safeguarding your account and transactions.

Despite all the security features of websites and email providers, anyone can still be vulnerable to different types of cyber attacks. The best solution is to download an app that secures you from these threats. Clario’s all-in-one cybersecurity software is that reliable extra layer of protection you need!

Download the Clario software today!

Read more:

• How to Spot Sneaky and Dangerous Phishing Emails
• What Is Spear Phishing?
• What Is Spoofing?