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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more verification factors before gaining access to a system, reducing the risk of account compromise from stolen credentials.

What is MFA?How it typically works?Common techniquesImpactFurther reading

What is MFA?

MFA builds upon the idea that passwords alone are insufficient to protect modern systems. Attackers routinely harvest or guess credentials through phishing, brute force, or database leaks. By requiring an additional factor, MFA ensures that even if a password is stolen, an attacker cannot log in without the second factor. Verification factors are categorized as something you know (password or PIN), something you have (mobile device, hardware token), and something you are (biometric traits). For SecOps, MFA is one of the most effective defenses against phishing, credential stuffing, and lateral movement within networks.

How it typically works?

  1. User login: the user enters their standard username and password.
  2. Second factor request: the system prompts for another verification factor such as a one-time code.
  3. Verification: the system validates the second factor, confirming the user’s identity.
  4. Access granted: only after all factors are validated is access provided.

Common techniques

  • SMS codes: one-time codes sent by text message. Convenient but vulnerable to SIM swapping.
  • Authenticator apps: mobile apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate rotating codes.
  • Push notifications: apps that require the user to approve or deny login attempts in real time.
  • Hardware tokens: physical devices such as YubiKeys or smart cards that generate or store secure codes.
  • Biometric factors: fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning as additional layers of assurance.
  • Adaptive MFA: systems that adjust the required factor depending on risk context, such as unusual location or device.

Impact

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Industry reports indicate that MFA can block the vast majority of automated credential-based attacks. For organizations, deploying MFA is often the single most effective step in improving security posture.

However, implementation challenges exist. Users may find MFA inconvenient, and poorly designed systems can create login fatigue. Attackers are also adapting with MFA fatigue attacks, where they flood users with repeated push requests until approval is mistakenly granted. Despite these issues, MFA remains a core element of Zero Trust strategies and compliance requirements.

Further reading

Related topics

Identity and Access Management (IAM)Privileged Access Management (PAM)Zero Trust SecurityPhishing