The Purpose Of Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is the addition of factors beyond traditional credentials, in order to secure authorization. They can include anything from a randomly generated passcode to a retina scan, with each level of authentication coming from different categories including something the person has, knows, or is.
Authentication is the verification of someone’s identity. Authorization verifies an individual’s access to data, files, etc. Access controls protect valuable information; and limit the number of people with access to specific data or sensitive information. Employees should only have access to information necessary to perform their jobs. Employees with access to more data than they need can expose your organization to cybercrime, increasing the risk that sensitive information may be released.
Payment card industry data security standard compliance requires multi factor authentication for all remote network access originating from outside the network to a card data environment. Two factor authentication was utilized when most organizations were originally adding just one additional factor to their security. Multi factor authentication has now moved to the mainstream.
Multi factor authentication involves something an individual “knows”, such as passwords and security questions, as well as something they “have”, such as apps, mobile devices, key fobs, etc. Additionally, multi factor authorization includes something the person “is”, such as biometrics or behavioral analysis. For example, using your debit card involves something you have (the card), and something you know (the PIN). That is two-factor authentication.
The addition of a third factor is multi-factor authentication. The third factor can be biometrics, which are the use of human characteristics to authorize access. These could be your face, fingerprints, retina scans, voice authentication, etc. Behavioral analysis is an emerging use of biometrics, and can include a digital signature scanner, as well as speed and common patterns when you type or use your cursor.
Cybertheft is increasingly common, and there are many ways to break passwords or obtain them through phishing emails. Business owners must be aware that employees are your greatest cybersecurity liability. Cybersecurity training for employees is necessary at all levels in an organization. Prioritizing protection is more critical now than ever to protect the most valuable assets of an organization, people and data. Cyber security companies are up to date on current threats, tools and techniques, and are best qualified to provide companies cybersecurity and infrastructure security.
Remote employees utilizing an unmanaged device pose a security risk because these devices can access data remotely; but lack the security measures of corporate devices. The device can be stolen, and SIM cards can be cloned, giving cyber criminals access to your data. Multi-factor authentication is a reinforcement of your existing security measures, which can only be beneficial to your organization.
Businesses can set up their own rules based on their operations to deduce suspicious login attempts. If a company utilizes standard computers across all employees, authentication can be limited to your choice of operating systems. Simple sign-on can allow users to log onto many applications utilizing one set of credentials, which lessens user frustration. A second factor is still necessary to avoid attackers gaining access to apps and data.
Strikeworks Solutions is a cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency in the Los Angeles area. We have the tools and proven techniques to meet all business security requirements. Give us a call and let us remove the stress from employees, so they can focus on their work, while we focus on what we do best, safeguarding and supporting systems.