Last Updated : 10 Aug, 2024
The process of verifying a user’s identity with the help of login credentials, biometric or OTP is called Authentication. Authentication is verifying a user’s identity before allowing them to access the system or resource. Authentication is important to ensure privacy and protect the system from security breaches. Authentication is a core component of the Identity and access management policy of any organization. In this article, we will be discussing single-factor and multi-factor authentication.
What is Single-Factor Authentication?
This authentication process is much simpler and is also considerably faster. With this Authentication process, we don’t have to face any complexity. So the first single authentication system that came out is the combination of the username and the password. The username determines the unique name of the user and the password is something private. This password is the only thing that will stop any unauthorized users from getting access to the system.
Why to use Single-Factor authentication?
1. Convenient – Single-factor authentication requires the user to remember a single password or PIN and is an easier way of authentication.
2. Cost-effective – SFA doesn’t require additional hardware for authentication and is cheaper.
3. Accessibility – SFA allows quicker access to the system since it has a single layer of authentication.
4. Compatible – SFA usually involves password/biometric-based authentication and every other device is compatible with such an authentication process.
5. Low overhead – SFA doesn’t require additional infrastructure or resources.
What is Multi Factor Authentication?
This is the opposite of single-factor authentication. Here it requires more than one factor for successful authentication. It gives much better security to the users. In multi-factor authentication, if someone tries to access the system, the attacker has to go through amltiple layers of authentication. This makes it difficult for the attacker to gain access to the system.
Why to use Multi Factor Authentication?
1. Security – MFA is more secure because of multiple authentication system like password, OTP, biometric etc.
2. Increased Trust – MFA ensures trust with the customer because it is difficult to crack toom any layers of authentication.
3. Protection against attacks – Even if credentials are accessible to attackers, the other layers of authentication protects system.
4. Flexible – User can plan the layers of authentication as per convinience.
5. Fraud resistance – Even if password is leaked through social engineering attacks, data remains secure.
Difference Between Single-Factor Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication
Single-Factor Authentication | Multi-Factor Authentication |
|---|
| In single-factor authentication, the process of authentication is much simpler | In multi-factor authentication, the process of successful authentication can be complex. |
| There is a risk to security. | There is no risk of security. |
| There is a chance of information getting stolen | There is no a the chance, for the information to get stolen. |
| There is a risk of a keylogger who can steal passwords and more. | There is no risk of keylogger activity. |
| The user is not in full control. | The user is in full control. |
| There is a chance of user password getting captured by the keylogger. | There is no risk of data getting captured through keylogger. |
| There is a chance of a phishing attack, where the attacker may deceive the user to enter the password or userid. | In multi-factor authentication, a phishing attack will not accomplish its purpose. |
Example of Single-factor authentication- Steps: - Password authentication by the online service entered by user.
| Example of Multi-factor authentication- Steps: - Knowledge- Entered Username and Password
- Possession- Entered Pin from mobile app
- Inherence (Biometrics)- Fingerprint verified
|
Conclusion
Authentication is essential for securing access to devices, applications, and online services. Single Factor Authentication (SFA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are two primary methods used to verify user identity. By understanding the fundamental differences between SFA and MFA, one can make informed decisions about security practices. MFA is a crucial step towards safeguarding digital assets and mitigating the risks associated with data breaches, SFA has its own benefits.
Difference Between Single-Factor Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication – FAQs
Describe the risk associated with SFA.
SFA uses single layer of authentication and is vulnerable to attacks and credential theft. This way risk of unauthorized access increases.
In what scenario SFA is suitable for organization?
It is suited for low-security environments where faster access is prioritized over security.
Mention some MFA methods.
Password based, OTP based, Biometric retc.
Improve
Next Article
Difference between Authentication and Authorization
Please Login to comment...
FAQs
Single-factor authentication requires users to authenticate with only one type of evidence for authentication, which, most of the time, is a password. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence, or factors, for authentication.
What is the difference between SSO and multifactor authentication? ›
MFA is significantly more secure than conventional password logins, but still susceptible to bypass. SSO is secure but is a single point of failure; if the IdP account is compromised, many others may also be. MFA adds a step beyond inputting a password but is still relatively seamless.
What is the difference between multifactor authentication and single-factor authentication quizlet? ›
Single-factor is easiest to implement but with strong authentication is the hardest to attack. B. Multifactor requires greater implementation, maintenance, and management, but it can be extremely hard to spoof as a result.
What is the difference between MFA and SFA? ›
Single-factor Authentication vs Multi-factor Authentication
SFA has a single layer of authentication. MFA has multi-layers of authentication. It is simple and fast.
What is the difference between modern authentication and multi-factor authentication? ›
Modern Authentication is a category of different authorization and authentication protocols which are SAML, WS-Federation, and OAuth. Modern authentication enables the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) which adds multiple layers of security.
What is the difference between one factor and two-factor authentication? ›
Single-factor Authentication (SFA): Requires users to provide one verifiable credential to access online resources. Two-factor Authentication (2FA): Requires users to provide two verifiable credentials to access online resources.
Can you have MFA without SSO? ›
No, you don't necessarily need single sign-on (SSO) to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Azure VPN using RADIUS authentication. SSO and MFA serve different purposes, although they can complement each other in enhancing security.
Why is multi-factor authentication better? ›
MFA Enables Stronger Authentication
It adds another layer of protection from the kinds of damaging attacks that cost organizations millions. A security breach caused by a weak user password would understandably have huge consequences for both the company and the customers who trust it.
Can you use SSO and MFA at the same time? ›
Combining both lets you achieve convenience without compromising security. Picture this: You log in to your identity provider with your username and password, and then you enter an MFA code generated by an app on your phone.
What is multi-factor authentication difference? ›
MFA allows a user to use more than one type of authentication method, whereas 2FA only allows you to add one type of authentication factor on top of your username and password. Because you can implement several types of authentication factors with MFA, it makes it a more secure solution to 2FA.
2FA methods are designed to make it more difficult for unauthorized users to access an account, as they must provide two pieces of information from different authentication categories instead of one—for example, a password and possession of your mobile device with an authenticator app.
What is the difference between multi-step and multi-factor authentication? ›
Multi-step authentication considers having several resources of the same factor in a scheme. Multi-factor authentication, in turn, requires at least one step of two or more factors in an authentication scheme. At last, we can have many steps of different factors in a single authentication scheme with no problem.
What is the difference between MFA and 2FA and SSO? ›
Each authentication method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific security requirements and preferences of organizations. SSO makes logging easy but 2FA and MFA add security steps. Groups must carefully think about the good and bad of each sign-in method.
What are the disadvantages of single factor authentication? ›
Disadvantages of Single Factor Authentication
The first being the risk associated with solely one form of authentication. Single-factor authentication has not enough protection and comes with limits.
Do multifactor and single factor authentications have the same degree of reliability? ›
Authentication methods that depend on more than one factor are more difficult to compromise than single-factor methods. Accordingly, properly designed and implemented multifactor authentication methods are more reliable and stronger fraud deterrents.
What is an example of single authentication? ›
Single-factor authentication is the simplest form of authentication method. With SFA, a person matches one credential to verify himself or herself online. The most popular example of this would be a password (credential) to a username. Most verification today uses this type of authentication method.
What is an example of a multi-factor authentication? ›
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a multi-step account login process that requires users to enter more information than just a password. For example, along with the password, users might be asked to enter a code sent to their email, answer a secret question, or scan a fingerprint.
What is 2FA vs MFA vs SSO? ›
Difference Between SSO, 2FA, and MFA:
They don't need to sign in again for each one. Two-Step Verification (2SV): 2SV needs users to provide two different proofs to show who they are, adding more security protection. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires users to provide more than one way to prove who they are.
