What is Multifactor Authentication or MFA

What is multifactor authentication or MFA?

MFA is when you use two or more authentication factors to verify your identity when logging into online accounts or software applications.

What is a factor?

Something you know, such as a password, passphrase, or personal identification number (PIN).

Something you have, such as a smartphone, or a secure USB key.

Something you are, such as a biometric like a fingerprint or facial recognition.

An everyday example of multifactor authentication is an ATM transaction. You go to the ATM to withdraw some money; you put in your debit card (something you have). Then you enter your pin (something you know) for your second factor.

Another example would be logging into your email account. First you enter your username and then you enter your password (something you know) if you have MFA turned on for your email account you are then asked for a code from your smartphone (something you have).

Why is MFA important?

There are millions of stolen username and passwords available for hackers on the dark web, they can gain access to your companies’ network. MFA is important because it adds a extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized logins. Verizon estimates that 81% of data breaches are due to poor passwords. MFA is one way to strengthen your authentication security.

If you would like to know more about how your company could benefit from MFA, please contact BounceBack Solutions.

BounceBack Solutions is a cybersecurity company focused on providing cybersecurity solutions.

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