What is the Multifactor Authenication Security Process

Jun 3, 2021

Multifactor Authentication which encompasses Two Factor Authentication is a security process which has been created to add an extra layer of security protection when you sign into an account.

The name of the authentication process used is dependent on how many factors are required...

Multifactor Authentication (MFA):  Requires 2 or more factors

2-Factor Authentication (2FA or TFA):  Requires 2 factors

 

Typical examples of the factors used are:

Something you know:   Your login, PIN Number, password, security question, etc

Something you have:    Your phone, a token, a list of unique usage codes, etc

Something you are:       Your fingerprint, iris, face, voice recognition, etc

 

Why do you need to use Multifactor Authentication?

By adopting additional security before you access online accounts or work remotely, it decreases the likelihood of hackers successfully accessing your accounts through:

 

  • Identity theft.
  • Weak or stolen credentials.
  • Password theft.
  • Stealing or destroying your data.
  • Making changes to your services and programs.

How Does Multifactor (MFA) work:

An example of how the Multifactor Authentication process, would work, would be:

  1. Login: Enter your email address for your Microsoft account.
  2. Password: Enter your password for your Microsoft account
  3. Verification: Enter the pin number provided via Text message or Authentication App to allow access to your Microsoft account.

 

How does Two Factor Authentication (2FA/TFA) work:

An example of how a typical 2-Factor Authentication (2FA or TFA) process, would work would be:

  1. Login: Feeding a Bank Card into an ATM machine.
  2. Verification: Entering your pin number to gain access to your bank information.

 

Setting up MFA for your business

At VisionLab our Technicians can work with you to set up the additional security that MFA provides. This will be a change for your employees and could take a short while for them to embrace the new security process, however with the recent cyber-attack events, using MFA should not be an option you give to your team. After all, MFA is there to help you  keep your business and your client’s data safe.

For more information on cyber security, check out CertNZ. They support businesses, organisations and individuals affected by cyber security incidents by providing trusted and authoritative information and advice for all New Zealanders.