What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication is an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism. In other words, your accounts will be set up in a way that an attacker needs more than your password to log in as you. You will have a “token” that stays with you, and that token must be accessible in order to log into your accounts.

Why should I consider implementing MFA in my Organization?

Multi-factor authentication increases security with third parties and organizations.
MFA better controls who has access to your files.
It offers a variety of choices to meet your security needs.
MFA helps meet regulatory requirements.
Your Cyber Insurance company may require it.
It prevents someone from logging in as you simply by stealing or guessing your password.

How does MFA work?

Security is based on three factors, what you know, what you have, and what you are. Think of it this way:
You know your password.
You have a secondary device to prove you are yourself.
You are yourself through biometric verification devices.
MFA operates by requiring two or more of these conditions to be met to allow access to a system, device, or account. In most circumstances, 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) is sufficient security which typically entails what you know and what you have. MFA from Solutions utilizes these concepts by providing a physical device (Either a smart phone or Yubikey) that must be present in addition to a password to successfully authenticate.

Solutions uses physical “keys” and cellphone push prompts for MFA. What is the advantage?

Basic MFA is susceptible and cumbersome. Authentication software or security codes are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Retyping codes to different devices wastes time and are prone to error. Pushing a prompt to your phone requires only that you open your smartphone and accept the prompt by tapping a button – there’s no need to view and retype a 6-digit code, which can be mistyped and become a source of frustration.

The million dollar question. How much does it cost? (Hint: Not a million dollars!)

Generally not that much! But it depends on your organization size, how many people will be using MFA, and how many people opt to use a Yubikey instead of a cellphone. Use our quick estimator to approximate about how much you can expect to spend. If you would like an official quote or have any questions, give us a call or shoot us an email.