Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an electronic authentication method that gives users access to a website, application, or a VPN after successfully providing two or more verification factors. Utilizing multiple verification factors reduces the likelihood of a cybersecurity attack. Although Multi-Factor Authentication is highly recommended whenever it is available, it isn’t faultless. An improvement on these security methods is supposedly in the works. Continue reading to learn more about possible developments on the horizon.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Has its Issues
By providing additional authentication factors prior to accessing an account or various applications, it is clear that the account or application is made to be much more secure. However, there may be too many hurdles or obstacles that the members of your team may have to go through, which can result in employees becoming bothered, leading to decreased engagement.
In addition, the most commonly used mode of Multi-Factor Authentication is the use of a generated code provided through a smartphone. By doing so, this requires everyone to have their cell phones with them and ready at all times. Unfortunately, situations can occur and people may have either forgotten their phone, the cell phone battery dies, or their phone might have been broken. This makes the use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) not as practical as one had hoped.
It is obvious that there are many security benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication but there are added stresses that also come with it.
Adaptive Authentication Can Reduce This Stress
Some organizations have begun utilizing a new approach called adaptive authentication. Instead of having to provide multiple forms of verification as a means of authentication, adaptive authentication collects various kinds of data, mostly based on the user’s behavior. Majority of the time, the processes in a work day are regular and consistent. Users come up with a specific way of typing and utilizing the mouse and/or trackpad. Adaptive authentication analyzes a user’s patterns of behavior to determine whether or not the user is who he or she is claiming to be. Adaptive authentication then creates this profile to compare a user’s behavior and provides access when everything matches.
If an action is seen as out of the ordinary, a multi-factor will be issued. For example, if an unusual device is attempting to gain access to someone’s data from a new place at a different time, a multi-factor is then requested. If everything checks out, users will be able to access whatever they need without any difficulty.
By having a balance of security with convenience, this idea of adaptive authentication is ideal for most people. This method has been adopted by many companies in various industries. Although it may not yet be available to small- or medium-sized businesses, it is definitely something to keep in mind for the future.
At AE Technology Group, we are always striving to help you and your business maintain a sense of security within your business operations, in hopes to improve the overall productivity and efficiency of your company. For any questions or to learn more about adaptive authentication, give us a call today at 954.474.2204.
