What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and how does it work?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to authenticate themselves for two or more factors, in order to gain access to company resources, applications, or a VPN. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) means that users need to provide additional verification factors apart from their username and passwords. These second-factor methods can range from OTP over SMS, OTP over Email, Push notification, Google/Microsoft authenticator, and many more.

Having this extra layer of security ensures that the information being accessed is well protected from activities such as phishing, malware, hacking, and many more. Having a strong MFA setup ensures a robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) for your organization and secures your resources.

To know more about MFA: https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

Why use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Passwords might be one of the supreme measures we use on a daily basis but what the newest cyber threat reports depict has raised concern regarding security issues. Regardless of how complex your password or the password management system is, it is never enough to prevent account takeover because all it takes is one simple phishing email or database breach and your password is out in the world.

Users also make it easier for hackers by choosing weak passwords, using the equivalent password for multiple applications, storing passwords in insecure locations and keeping the same password for long periods of time. These practices may help users remember their login credentials, but they invite hackers in through the front entrance.

How does MFA Work?
MFA works very well for improving security - the numbers don't lie.

Here's how it works:
As the user attempts to gain access to a specific resource, they are prompted with multiple authentication factors, instead of only one. The user credentials are then verified by a core identity provider (IdP) or directory services platform. Once authenticated, the user gains access to the requested resource.

The most common MFA systems use a unique one-time passcode commonly known as OTP with every login attempt that you simply make. miniOrange also provides a more modern and secure sort of MFA which is a "Push notification" on your smartphone. A push notification is sent to your registered smartphone and in order to gain access to your account, you've got to approve that notification. You can also use a hardware token to gain access to crucial resources using tokens such as Yubikey, or soft tokens via Google/Microsoft/miniOrange authenticator app.

What is Identity Provider (Idp)? : https://idp.miniorange.com/

Multi-Factor Authentication Methods
MFA Authentication is based on various authentication factors. Multi-Factor Authentication takes the help of these factors to authenticate a particular individual.

Knowledge Factor is something that a user remembers like "First Password", "First School Name", "A Pin" etc.

Possession Factor is something the user has, such as a mobile device, smartphone app, or security token to approve authentication requests.
Inherence Factor mainly referred to as a biometric factor, is something different in the user's physical self. These could also be personal attributes like fingerprint, retina, or voice.

Location factor usually denotes the location from which an authentication attempt is being made. Location-based MFA methods can limit user access when a user breaks out from the given location. Location-based MFA can also limit the authentication attempts made by the user to specific devices by tracking their Internet Protocol (IP).

Time factor restricts user authentication to a specific time panel in which logging on is granted and restricts access to the system outside of that window. In simpler terms, we called it Time based OTP (TOTP). Mobile Apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator and miniOrange authenticator provide a key code that's time-dependent up to limited seconds.

Benefits of MFA
Enhanced Security
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) decreases the probability that an attacker can mimic a user and may gain access to the system. miniOrange Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solution allows users to log in using Username and OTP thus, preventing the necessity to enter the Password.

More Productivity and Flexibility
Organizations are accepting mobility because it helps in increasing productivity. With mobile MFA employees can securely login and access corporate applications and resources from virtually any device and from any location, without putting the corporate network to risk.

Fraud Prevention
Multi-Factor Authentication verifies who you say you're before letting you progress forward. It prevents unauthorized access to your website by providing a further layer of authentication.

Improved Customer Trust
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides a layer of protection to your enterprise and your customers. It protects consumer data from identity theft. Therefore, companies that store consumer information should consider more than one authentication. This will allow them to build and maintain customer trust.

Reduced Operating Costs
Implementing MFA reduces the probability of data breaches, resulting in reduced investment.

228 Park Ave S #87831
New York, NY 10003-1502

miniOrange has grown from its initial size of 4 to 400+ now. The company was built from the ground up by a group of experienced technology architects, with a background in security themselves. Unwilling to continue in their day jobs, the team began miniOrange. Having a deep understanding of security, the miniOrange team applies their technical expertise to create unique and helpful solutions to the needs and challenges of the industry. The company aims to give organizations the ability to securely manage access to all of their web based applications in one place. We are growing day by day and will continue to do so!

This release was published on openPR.