Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security system that verifies a user's identity by requiring multiple credentials.
Rather than just asking for a username and password, MFA requires other (additional) credentials, such as a code from the user's smartphone, the answer to a security question, a fingerprint, or facial recognition.
Traditional user names and passwords can be stolen, and they've become increasingly more vulnerable to brute force attacks. Multi Factor Authentication is and effective way to provide enhanced security. MFA creates multiple layers if security to help increase the confidence that the users requesting access is actually who they claim to be. With MFA, a cyber criminal may steal one credential, but will be thwarted by having to verify identity in a different manner.
We want to make sure that your data is secure and have therefore enforced MFA when using user names and passwords to authenticate.
When it comes to MFA, we typically refer to three types of authentication factors:
- Things you know (knowledge), such as a password or PIN
- Things you have (possession), such as a badge or smartphone
- Things you are (inheritance), indicated through biometrics, like fingerprints or voice recognition
Our identity management platform requires 2 out of these 3 factors: knowledge (password) and possession (mobile device).
Related information:
Which Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) options do I have?
Setup Multi Factor Authentication