What is single-factor authentication (SFA), two-factor authentication (2FA), and multi-factor authentication (MFA), and why is more than one factor of authentication vital to security. First, here are the definitions: Single-factor authentication is the simplest form of authentication method. With SFA, a person matches one credential to verify himself or herself online. The most popular example of this would be a password (credential) to a username. Most verification today uses this type of authentication method. Two-factor authentication uses the same password/username combination, but with the addition of being asked to verify who a person isby using something only he or she owns, such as a mobile device. Putting it simply: it uses two factors to confirm anidentity. Multi-factor Authentication uses a combination of the following factors: something you know, something you have, and something you are. 2FA is a subset of MFA, and you can read more on the difference between the two in Chris Webber's blog,Two-Factor vs. Multi-Factor Authentication. For more definitions, check out our cybersecurity glossary. Online sites can have users' passwords leaked by a cybercriminal. Although it doesn’t happen often, it can happen! Without an additional factor to your password to confirm your identity, all a malicious user needs is your password to gain access. Hopefully, it’s not a website that has additional personal information stored, such as your credit card information, home address, or other personal information used to identify you. Oftentimes, a user's password is simple so that it is easy to remember. Is there something wrong with that? Well, the more simple the password, the easier it is to crack or guess. A malicious user may guess your password because they know you personally or because they were able to find out certain things about you, such as your birthdate, favorite actor/actress, or pet’s name. A malicious user may also crack your password by using a bot to generate the right combination of letters/numbers to match your simple, secret identification method. In either example, it’s going to be a hassle to recover your account(s). Hopefully, your simple password is not being reused with other online entities. SFA is quickly becoming the CDs of security measures. It was great for the time, butit’s outdated. There is a growing number of products, websites, and apps that offer two-factor and multi-factor authentication. Whether it’s just two factors, or three or more—MFA, in general, is the way to make our accounts much much harder for attackers to break into—the time to get familiar with these new security measures is now. Make sure you get the facts before implementing MFA as part of your access control strategy.What is Single-factor Authentication (SFA)?
What is Two-factor Authentication (2FA)?
What is Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)?
What are the risks of Single-factor Authentication?
Not all MFA solutions are created equal
FAQs
Single-factor Authentication vs. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)? ›
Single-factor authentication requires users to authenticate with only one type of evidence for authentication, which, most of the time, is a password. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, for authentication.
Is multi-factor authentication more secure than single-factor authentication? ›With multi-factor authentication, users are required to provide more than one piece of verifiable information to authenticate. MFA was designed to add additional layers of security to sensitive information. Note that 2FA is also considered MFA because more than one credential is required to sign on.
Why is single-factor authentication not enough? ›The major limit of single-factor authentication is that its security depends on the password, PIN, or single authentication method to keep your login secure. With only one password for example, threat actors can break into your accounts easier than if you had two factors.
Why is multifactor authentication a better system than single-factor authentication? ›Multi-factor authentication is a quick and simple way to add an extra layer of protection to confidential data. This additional step acts like an extra lock designed to protect accounts from hackers or a cybersecurity weakness.
What is the difference between single-factor authentication SFA and multi-factor authentication MFA? ›Single-factor Authentication vs Multi-factor Authentication
Let's look at some differences between SFA and MFA and how they can impact account security. SFA has a single layer of authentication. MFA has multi-layers of authentication. It is simple and fast.
Understanding when to use SSO or MFA
SSO can provide a balance between security and convenience in environments where cybersecurity risks are lower, and the data involved is less sensitive. MFA may be preferable in situations that require a higher level of defense, such as financial services applications.
- Relies entirely on the security of the email account, which often lacks MFA.
- Email passwords are commonly the same as application passwords.
- Provides no protection if the user's email is compromised first.
- Email may be received by the same device the user is authenticating from.
- Susceptible to phishing.
Most Secure: Hardware Keys
Also called FIDO keys, they generate a cryptographically secure MFA authentication code at the push of a button. FIDO keys differ from OTP hardware because they send codes directly to the device via a USB port or NFC connection.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are both ways to improve the security of accounts by requiring more than one way to prove you have permission to access the account. While 2FA requires exactly two forms of authentication, MFA requires at least two forms of authentication.
How much more secure is MFA? ›The use of MFA on your accounts makes you 99% less likely to be hacked. MFA is a layered approach to securing data and applications where a system requires a user to present a combination of two or more credentials to verify a user's identity for login.
What is the strongest authentication factor? ›
Biometric and possession-based authentication factors may be the strongest means of securing a network or application against unauthorized access. Combining these methods into a multifactor authentication process decreases the likelihood of a hacker gaining unauthorized access to the secured network.
What are the benefits of MFA multi-factor authentication? ›The primary objective of multi-factor authentication is to reduce the risk of account takeovers and provide additional security for users and their accounts. Since over 80% of cyber breaches happen due to weak or stolen passwords, MFA can provide added layers of security necessary to protect users and their data.
What is the difference between multifactor authentication and single-factor authentication quizlet? ›Single-factor is easiest to implement but with strong authentication is the hardest to attack. B. Multifactor requires greater implementation, maintenance, and management, but it can be extremely hard to spoof as a result.
Which type of authentication is most secure? ›1. Biometric Authentication Methods. Biometric authentication relies on the unique biological traits of a user in order to verify their identity. This makes biometrics one of the most secure authentication methods as of today.
Which authentication mode is more secure? ›Windows Authentication is the default authentication mode, and is much more secure than SQL Server Authentication.
Which authentication verification type is most secure? ›Certificate-based authentication
CBA is considered very secure because it's based on public/private key cryptography, where the private key acts as a combination that never leaves the device.
MFA Enables Stronger Authentication
With MFA, it's about granting access based on multiple weighted factors, thereby reducing the risks of compromised passwords. It adds another layer of protection from the kinds of damaging attacks that cost organizations millions.