Multi-Factor Authentication: Boost Account Security

You might think your password alone guarantees security to your email, social media, and banking profiles, but you’d be wrong.

In brute force attacks, hackers steal passwords every day. Complete account security requires more than just a password. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of safety to ensure your account is secure. MFA is essential in today’s digital world of escalating cyber threats.

What is multi-factor authentication? MFA is an authentication process in which the user must provide two or more verification factors to access an account, application, or VPN. Instead of simply a username or password, MFA requires an additional verification factor, such as a code sent to your email or phone.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is often used interchangeably with MFA, but 2FA restricts the number of factors required to two, while MFA can technically require two or more.

At Digital Investigation Inc., we are experts in digital security and multi-factor authentication. Our cyber engineers work to help keep you secure and protected from cyberattacks like malware, phishing, and sextortion crimes.

Individuals and businesses should read this comprehensive guide to multi-factor authentication to see how 2FA can improve their account security and keep them safe online.

Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication uses a variety of elements to verify an account.

Knowledge: Something you know such as answers to security questions, a password, or a PIN.
Possession: Something you have such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs) generated by smartphone apps, text, or email; access badges, USB devices, fobs, or security keys; software tokens and certificates.
Inherence: Something you are such as your fingerprints, voice or facial recognition, retina or iris scanning.

Why MFA is Crucial

Multi-factor authentication enhances security so hacked passwords don’t present a liability. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Cyber-attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, escalating the need for stronger authentication. MFA is critical to protect sensitive data and personal information from cybercriminals. It safeguards against malware, phishing attempts, and even crimes like sextortion and online blackmail.

Types of Multi-Factor Authentication Methods

Here are the most common types of multi-factor and two-factor authentication methods.

SMS Text Messages

Two-factor authentication using SMS text messages sends a code or password to your phone. It’s simple and easy to use, but can be hacked through social engineering. An attacker could convince you they are someone else and trick you into giving up the code.

Hackers can also conduct SIM swap fraud in which they contact your mobile phone’s carrier and trick them into activating a SIM card the fraudsters have. Your phone suddenly becomes their phone, and any codes sent via 2FA will be sent to them.

Malware attacks can also happen on your phone to affect the SIM card and allow the perpetrator to receive information on calls and text messages.

Authentication Apps

Authentication apps are mobile applications that generate secure, time-based one-time passwords. Compared to text messages, authenticator apps provide a more secure form of two-factor authentication.

Examples include:

Email Verification

Email verification sends a temporary, time-sensitive code to your email. It poses some dangers, such as the risk of email hacking. Old email accounts that users no longer access can also cause deliverability issues.

Hardware Security Keys

Hardware security keys are considered one of the strongest forms of two-factor authentication. They fall under the “something you have” classification of MFA because they are physical objects. All the user needs to do is tap or insert their key into their device. Hardware security keys are extremely difficult to bypass, even if a hacker has stolen passwords or access to a phone.

Examples include:

Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication verifies a user’s identity using unique biological traits. It falls under the MFA category of inherence, something you are.

Examples include:

Fingerprints
Facial recognition
Voice recognition
Iris or retina scanning
Other traits

Some older biometric methods can be fooled with static images and photographs, but modern methods are more advanced.

Implementing MFA for Individuals

Choosing the best MFA method depends on the sensitivity of your data, the user experience you prefer, and what standards your industry requires. It’s important to balance security with practicality and convenience. Remember to implement MFA on all critical accounts.

Keeping a second form of multi-factor authentication as a backup ensures continued access to your accounts and data. It provides a safety net if your primary MFA method becomes unavailable or compromised.

How to Enable 2FA or MFA on Popular Platforms

Here’s how to enable 2FA or MFA on Google, email, and social media platforms:

Go to Account Settings.
Find Security Settings.
Locate Two-Factor Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentication.
Click Enable 2FA or MFA.

Best Practices for MFA Usage

MFA offers enhanced account security, but it is by no means flawless. It can be exploited by cybercriminals if proper care is not taken. Always keep backup codes and recovery keys in a safe place. Regularly update authentication apps and devices to reduce the risk of hacking.

If an MFA device is lost, immediately contact your organization’s IT help desk or account admin to disable MFA on the lost device. Work with them to obtain a new device, if backup codes are available.

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication for Businesses

To ensure comprehensive account security, it is critical to implement MFA across all user accounts and devices within your organization. Implementing 2FA or MFA provides an enhanced layer of security across the entire business and is especially crucial for departments that require heightened security.

Hackers are constantly attacking low-hanging fruit. Even low-level employees need MFA because they can be key targets of cybercriminals and jeopardize your entire organization.

How to enable MFA into a VPN:

Login into the VPN.
Click Authentication.
Select Settings.
Scroll down to TOTP Multi-Factor Authentication.
Toggle the switch to Yes
Click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.
Click Update Running Server at the top of the page.

How to integrate MFA into cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud:

Navigate to the Console.
Select Security Credentials.
Select Enable MFA.
Choose Enforce MFA for all users.

How to integrate MFA into internal applications:

Choose an MFA provider.
Modify the Authentication Flow: If using SAML, configure the internal app as a service provider (SP) and link it to the IdP. If using OAuth/OpenID Connect, update the app’s authentication mechanism to request MFA verification during login.
Enforce MFA across all employees.
Test and deploy with phased rollout and monitoring.

Multi-Factor Authentication Policies and Procedures

MFA is only effective if it is implemented via clear corporate policy that dictates all procedures for employees that must be followed. It is critical to train employees on MFA usage and best practices to ensure no security flaws are exploited by hackers.

Multi-Factor Authentication for Remote Workers

MFA can be essential to remote workers by securing access and protecting against unwanted intrusion. When remote workers are not secured properly, they open security holes for malicious threats. MFA and 2FA provide an extra layer of security to safeguard remote workers, no matter where they are located.

VPNs and remote access solutions provide remote employees with access points into private networks that could potentially be exploited by attackers. Securing a VPN with MFA is essential in a remote scenario because it protects remote workers from outside threats. MFA can also be used with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), and cloud-based access gateways to provide enhanced account security.

MFA for Sensitive Data and Compliance

Multi-factor and two-factor authentication can be especially helpful in helping businesses comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Strong MFA practices and procedures are critical for accounts with access to sensitive data.

Digital Investigation Inc.’s Role in MFA and Security

At Digital Investigation Inc., we are experts in multi-factor authentication and security protocols for companies. We can assess your security risks and recommend the appropriate MFA solutions and policies. Implementing MFA with professional guidance can be critical to protect a business from malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats.

Digital Investigation Inc. investigates security breaches and unauthorized access. We conduct detailed forensic analysis to identify compromised accounts and data. Our cyber engineers will investigate the incident and identify system vulnerabilities to protect against future attacks.

Digital Investigation’s Training and Awareness Programs

Employee education is an often-overlooked component of cybersecurity. Human error is the leading cause of data breaches, spyware infection, and successful phishing attempts. A knowledgeable employee base is your best defense against cybercrime. Digital Investigation provides training on MFA and other security best practices to ensure complete data security.

Digital Investigation’s Data Recovery and Secure Data Management

At Digital Investigation Inc., our cyber engineers can help recover lost data and can work with your company to ensure secure data management practices. We can help protect your business against spyware, phishing attempts, and other cyberattacks.

Contact Digital Investigation Inc. today.