About Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is combining 2 or more of something you know (password, pin), something you have (usb key, phone, …) and something you are (fingerprint, etc.). It dramatically lowers your risk if you require at least 2 different types from this list.
WHAT IS MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?
Multi-Factor Authentication, sometimes called 2-Factor Authentication, is a method of proving your identity involving something you know (typically a password) and something you have (a phone, a key, etc.)
WHY DO I WANT MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?
Multi-Factor Authentication is the strongest protection against phishing, identity-theft, and other account-takeover attacks. Think about your bank. You have a CHIP (in your access card) and a PIN. A thief might steal your wallet, but not get your PIN. They might guess your PIN, but not have your CHIP.
After Google rolled out multi-factor authentication, there were 0 successful phishing attacks against any of its 85,000 employees.
WHEN SHOULD I USE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?
You should use multi-factor authentication everywhere you have the chance. Enable it on your Google (Gmail) account, on your Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, Apple, LinkedIn, etc. We recommend using WebAuthN if available, and Authenticator App (e.g. Authy) since it is the most universal.
WHAT MULTI-FACTOR METHODS CAN I USE?
Multi-Factor Authentication is something you know, and something you have. So you cannot use a PIN, or personal security question: these do not improve your security.
Methods that can be used include: U2F/WebAuthN/FIDO devices (USB keys), Authentication Apps (e.g. Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator), web push notification (e.g. mobile phone), SMS (e.g. sim card).
We do not recommend using SMS when other methods are available, it is not as secure. WebAuthN can handle push notification to your devices more securely, more privately, more economically.
Would You Like To Learn More?
Agilicus Has The Expertise
The Agilicus team has the expertise, and loves to discuss Zero Trust and multi factor authentication implementations.
The Chat button on the lower left goes directly to the team, and, we invite you to speak with us.
