Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Discover how MFA protects your organization with advanced security layers.
- What is Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) and its importance in secure digital ecosystems?
- What are the stages of certificate lifecycle?
- Who manages TLS/SSL certificates in an organization?
- When do you need certificate management?
- What are the different types of public certificates that need to be managed?
How does MFA work?
MFA ensures secure access by layering multiple forms of identity verification. The process integrates diverse authentication methods to make it significantly harder for attackers to breach systems, even if one factor is compromised.
MFA Process
1. Login Initialization: The user begins by entering their primary credential, typically a username and password. This acts as the foundational layer of authentication and ensures familiarity in the user experience.
2. Secondary Verification Prompt: After verifying the primary credentials, the system requests a secondary authentication factor, including
- Possession-based factor: A one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS, email, or authentication app. Alternatively, a hardware token or smart card could be used.
- Inherence-based factor: A biometric verification, such as fingerprint recognition, facial scans, or voice patterns, confirms the user’s unique physical characteristics.
3. Real-Time Validation: The system cross-checks the provided secondary factor in real time with the stored or generated credentials. For example, it validates OTPs against time-sensitive algorithms or matches biometrics to a secure database template.
4. Access Decision: If all required factors are authenticated successfully, access to the requested system or application is granted. In case of failure or suspicious activity, access is denied, and administrators may be alerted.
MFA for Modern Security Requirements
MFA provides a robust safeguard against evolving cyber threats, making it indispensable for securing applications, cloud platforms, and remote work environments. It ensures regulatory compliance (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) and enhances user trust by protecting sensitive information.
With eMudhra’s SecurePass MFA, organizations can implement over 15 authentication methods, integrate seamlessly with existing systems, and scale security measures to meet the demands of dynamic digital environments. This ensures both usability and technical reliability, critical for maintaining secure ecosystems.