Multi-Factor Authentication: Why you need it to be easy

MFA plays a crucial role in information security. It is widely recognized as the best way to protect online accounts from possible hacks, safeguard employee accounts, and deter hackers. Additionally, MFA protects users even if their login credentials are accidentally leaked.

 

 

Pointsharp provides cyber security software and services that meet the highest security and regulatory demands of large enterprises and governmental institutions. Pointsharp customers operate in markets that require extra high levels of security, such as the financial, governmental, industrial, and defense sectors.

Pointsharp Multi-Factor Authentication provides a secure login solution that offers centralized insight into user login behavior.

 

How MFA works

MFA is crucial for cyber security as it prevents unauthorized access to data and applications. It strengthens cyber security by requiring two or more authentication factors. Factors include:

 

A. Knowledge factors. These are pieces of information known by the user, such as a password, a PIN, or security questions. This is the most basic security level and should typically be a password. Many MFA solutions integrate with Business Password Managers, enabling users to easily manage all their account passwords.

 

B. Ownership factors. This layer of security requires credentials owned by a user, typically a text message sent to a user’s device or a push notification.

 

C.Inference factors. These factors refer to something a user is or does, as determined by bio metric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, hand print scans, and behavioral factors.  This final layer of security ensures that only the correct user can access the system.

 

D. Location factors. Location can be used as an authorization factor and may be included in the authentication process. However, it should not be the only method of authentication. Adding location as an extra layer of security is optional.

 

What are the risks of not having MFA?

When Multi-Factor Authentication is not implemented, many risks arise for a business’s security. Most importantly, single-factor authentication fails to provide strong enough protection for users’ accounts and data servers. This increases the chances of a breach, data theft, and a variety of other malicious activities.

 

Here are some of the major risks of not using MFA:

 

Strengthened Security. Users may reuse or share passwords, which can be stolen or guessed, exposing both account holders and system administrators. Even in case of password leaks, by adding MFA, the cybercriminal will not be able to access accounts without first authenticating who they are.

 

Compatible with Single Sign-On (SSO). An MFA that complies with industry standards includes an SSO solution. MFA can be integrated into applications and combined with single sign-on. This eliminates the need for users to create multiple unique passwords or to make the risky decision to reuse the same password across multiple applications when logging in. When used together with SSO, MFA reduces friction during user identity verification, saving time and improving productivity.

 

Customizable Security Solution. Each authentication factor offers multiple options, allowing enterprises to customize the user experience to meet their needs. For instance, users may have access to fingerprint scanners on their smartphones, but not retinal or voice recognition scanners. Some use cases may only require two factors, while others may necessitate additional authentication factors.

 

Regulatory Compliance. Industry or geographical regulations may require the use of MFA. CISA strongly recommends implementing phishing-resistant MFA to protect against phishing and other known cyber threats. ENISA suggests that using MFA reduces opportunities for attackers to use compromised accounts as a pivot point for starting social engineering campaigns. MFA also helps meet the strong customer authentication requirements set by the EU’s Payments Service Directive 2 (PSD2).

 

Enables Enterprise Mobility. Enabling employees to securely access necessary resources through mobile devices can boost productivity. Cyber criminals often target remote workers, but MFA can help prevent unauthorized access.

 

Adaptable for Different Use Cases. In situations that require heightened security, such as conducting high-value transactions and accessing sensitive data from unfamiliar networks and devices, additional authentication factors can be deployed to increase confidence in a user’s identity.

 

Increase flexibility and productivity. The ability to eliminate the need for passwords enhances productivity.

 

Pointsharp Multi-Factor Authentication

Cloud and mobility are driving the adoption of hybrid environments, which can make it challenging to maintain control over how your organization protects digital identities. Pointsharp Multi-Factor Authentication offers a consolidated authentication solution that is user-friendly, separate from your applications, and provides full performance insights.

Pointsharp provides secure login solutions that meet enterprise requirements while supporting mobile flexibility. With Pointsharp, users and the IT department can enjoy a centralized insight into how users log in, using one solution for all logins.

 

Main features of Pointsharp Multi-Factor Authentication:

Easy. Pointsharp MFA eliminates the need for complicated one-time passwords and simplifies the login process with the Pointsharp Login App, which offers more than just multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Secure. Admins can customize the deployment to address all security requirements. Even highly regulated environments where no data can live in the cloud can be met without any loss of functionality.

Enterprise. The larger the organization, the more flexibility is necessary to ensure a solution that covers all use cases. Pointsharp is an authentication product with numerous enterprise features, enabling the product to adapt to the organization, not the other way around. It is delivered as software that can run on-premises or in the cloud of your choice.

One-Whole Solution. Pointsharp MFA is consolidated into a single, user-friendly authentication solution, separate from applications, and provides complete insight into its performance.

 

Overview

Multi-Factor Authentication is crucial for enhancing cyber security, especially in sectors that demand a high level of security, such as finance, government, and defense. MFA involves multiple authentication factors, such as knowledge, possession, and inference, which significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Without MFA, businesses are more vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft, and loss of consumer confidence. Implementing MFA strengthens security, reduces risks from compromised passwords, and ensures regulatory compliance.

Pointsharp Multi-Factor Authentication is an easy, secure, and enterprise-friendly solution that delivers centralized visibility and customization options to meet diverse organizational needs while improving user experience and productivity.