What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?
Humans are considered to be the weakest link in cyber security. Cybercriminals attack users using multiple phishing and social engineering tactics. Multi-factor authentication solutions are integral for strong security and avoid the takeover of accounts. MFA solutions utilize a couple of other factors apart from passwords to enhance security. They include OTPs that are sent through email, text, or an authenticator app, even tokens, behavioral analysis, and biometrics. Organizations add more than one factor to authentication and in this way, they decrease the risk of any potential harm caused as a result of compromised OTPs and accounts.
If you are starting with learning about multi-factor authentication solutions then here are some of the important stages you should take note of. These steps will help you analyze everything about MFA and how multi-factor authentication solutions work.
1. Select a Vendor
Start by selecting a vendor for the deployment of a multi-factor authentication solution. Today, organizations have to pick from a plethora of choices when it comes to choosing a multi-factor authentication solution. If you want seamless security for both on-premise and cloud spaces then opt for none other than eMudhra multi-factor authentication solution. It offers a smooth user experience with multiple identity verification steps for improved digital security.
2. Choose the MFA method
Once you have selected the vendor, you should figure out the MFA methods to use for staff, customers, partners, etc.
Multifactor authentication methods include:
- Time-based OTPs sent through email or text
- Authenticator applications
- Hardware security keys
- Adaptive authentication like authenticating users by authenticating device usage or location
- Biometrics including fingerprint or facial recognition
3. Staff Training About Multi-Factor Authentication Solutions
Once you have decided on the multi-factor authentication solution for your organization, you should go ahead and discuss it with your staff members. You should also update your customers about this. Your employees should know how the multi-factor authentication solution works and how they should handle it.
It is suggested to hire a technical communicator who will help your employees and customers understand the technology and processes of the multi-factor authentication solution. Also, communicate to them why the MFA solution is necessary for the betterment of your organization and the security of its sensitive data.
4. Prepare for potential user-related issues
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Multi-factor authentication solutions aid in keeping user accounts safe while improving their security. However, these MFA solutions can create friction in user experience if they are unaware of how the multi-factor authentication solution works. It can also hinder UX by making the system slow and users may take a long time to log in to their accounts. The fact that they now have to perform additional steps such as checking for OTP or code in their email or app might be frustrating for them.
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Organizations can expect initial complaints and pushback when users begin using the multi-factor authentication solution. Once the users get used to the solution, the complaints and problems will likely decrease.
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It is suggested that users opt for MFA methods that are simple and do not require extra effort. One such method is biometric authentication, which is secure, easy, and less time-consuming. Users can scan their faces, fingerprints, eyes, or ears and log in to their accounts in a few seconds.
Another option is the behavioral and continuous authentication methods. Both improve account security without users having to change their way of interacting with the device. Even if there is any friction initially, once the users adapt to the authentication method the whole process will simplify.
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5. Anticipate identity-based cyber attacks
Multi-factor authentication solutions work strongly against any kind of password breach and account hacking. However, advanced cyber-criminals are now able to overcome some multi-factor authentication methods with the help of social engineering. To overcome this potential problem, organizations must train their staff about the different kinds of social engineering. Awareness of social engineering and knowing how to detect it in suspicious links, emails, etc, is the key to avoiding such cyber attacks from even the most advanced hackers.
How multi-factor authentication solutions work?
Multi-factor authentication solution is a sophisticated digital security technique that goes beyond the conventional username and password strategy of user authentication. It requires users to verify their identity via several diverse factors by adding additional protection layers beyond mere passwords.
Let us study how Multi-factor authentication solutions work!
- User initiation - The user enters his username, initial password, and email to initiate the login process.
- First-factor verification - The user gets a prompt from the system to provide the first authentication factor which is usually something they already know such as a PIN or password.
- Second-factor verification - Once the first-factor verification is done, the user is prompted to provide a second verification form. This can be something they have, such as a temporary code sent via SMS to their smartphone or a mobile application. Even a facial scan or a fingerprint can serve as a second-factor verification.
- Authentication confirmation—After validating both the first and second factors, the multi-factor authentication solution system confirms the user's identity and gives access to the requested system or account.
Common multi-factor authentication methods
There are various kinds of MFA methods and each kind improves security with the requirement of multiple identity proofs from users. Organizations can choose from a combination of MFA methods as per the security level needed, user convenience, and potential threats to certain data.
Here are some of the most common types of multi-factor authentication:
SMS or email codes
A one-time code is sent to the registered email ID or mobile number of the user. He then enters this particular code along with his password during login. This multi-factor authentication method is the simplest and most widely accessible. It provides an extra security level along with passwords. Although it is secure, it is vulnerable to exploitation due to SIM swapping or compromise of email accounts.
Authentication apps
This refers to time-based one-time password apps, also known as TOTP apps such as Authy or Google Authenticator. These apps generate temporary codes that are in sync with the user’s account. These apps change the code every 30 seconds and are meant to be entered with the password during login.
This MFA method is best suited for offline work, reducing dependency on internet connectivity and immune to most cyber attacks. This method is more secure than SMS codes.
Biometric verification
This method of MFA uses unique biological traits such as facial recognition, fingerprints, iris, and ear scans for user identity confirmation. This is a strongly secure and easy method of MFA. As biometric identifiers are extremely difficult to replicate, this method offers a powerful security layer.
Push notifications
In this method, when the user tries to log in to the system, a notification is sent to his registered device. The user then has to approve the login attempt from the notification to prove that it is him only who is trying to log in. In case he is not trying to log in, then he can deny the notification because that means that somebody else is trying to illegally break into the system. Push notifications are user-friendly and convenient and provide real-time interaction for instant authentication decisions.
Hardware security keys
This MFA method refers to user authentication with the help of physical devices such as USB keys that are plugged into the user’s device after which the user has to physically tap or press a button for authentication. The offline nature of this method makes it extremely secure as this phenomenon makes it immune from online exploitation.
Smart cards
In this method, the user possesses a physical card that is embedded with smart chips. He then inserts the card into a reader or taps it against a non-contact reader to validate his identity. This MFA method provides a high level of security and is a great option for organizational ecosystems. Smart cards can contain digital certificates and also require the physical presence of the user for authentication making the process less vulnerable to cyber crimes.
Backup codes
In this method of MFA, the user is provided with a set of single-use codes. In cases where primary methods of authentication are unavailable, these codes can be readily used for user authentication. This method is useful when other methods are inaccessible and it also ensures continued access while acting as a contingency plan.
Best practices for multi-factor authentication
Let us study five of the best practices for multi-factor authentication solutions!
- Comprehensive coverage - Organizations should apply multi-factor authentication to all integral access points, such as sensitive databases, remote logins, administrative privileges, etc for a holistic and comprehensive defense system against any unauthorized and illicit entry into the digital infrastructure.
- Varied authentication factors - It is suggested to utilize a combination of authentication factors, for example, knowledge-based, biometric, possession-based, etc., to build a multi-layered defense mechanism that eliminates the likelihood of any data compromise or exploitation.
- Regular review and updates - Organizations should routinely assess multi-factor authentication methods. Regular analysis of the effectiveness of these methods should be done and they must be updated whenever needed. This practice is a must to stay in sync with evolving potential technological threats.
- User-friendly experience - Opt for MFA methods that not only provide enhanced security but also offer a great user experience. Train your staff and customers well so that they adapt to the multi-factor authentication solution quickly and there is less risk of circumvention due to irritation.
- Continuous user education - It is of utmost importance to educate users about the benefits of MFA, accurate authentication practices, and potential threats to make them confident with the solution and act as proactive participants in the protection of their digital ecosystem.
Bottomline
If you want to prevent data breaches, operational inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, service disruptions, and financial and legal repercussions due to regulatory violations then make sure you have a proper PKI management system in place. Now that you know what is PKI infrastructure, you must adopt a dynamic PKI management system to streamline your operations and secure data transmission across your organizational network.
eMudhra’s powerful PKI solutions support the most robust form of end-to-end authentication and help organizations deploy private PKI for issuing and managing trusted certificates throughout the enterprise. If you want to know more about our PKI services, then contact our team today!
