Top 10 Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) Best Practices - Cybersecurity ASEE (2024)

In this blog post, we will explore Multi Factor Authentication best practices that are essential for MFA success. From enabling 2FA/MFA for all your users to considering passwordless authentication solutions, we will cover it all. We will also discuss the benefits of using authenticator apps and how contextual and adaptive MFA controls can enhance security. So, if you want to ensure maximum protection by implementing Multi Factor Authentication best practices for online accounts, keep reading!

Understanding Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts. It involves using multiple factors, such as passwords, biometrics, and security tokens, to verify the user's identity. Today's security experts recognize five main authentication factors:

• Knowledge factors – something the user knows (PIN, password);
• Possession factors – something the user owns (smartphone, security token)
• Inherence factors – something the user is (biometrics)
• Location and time factors – user's location and time during attempted access
• Behavior factors – user's unique gestures and behavior

Implementing MFA successfully safeguards online accounts from unauthorized access and mitigates the risk of data breaches. However, there can be challenges and pitfalls when rolling out MFA, and it's important to address them. By understanding the different authentication factors and implementing MFA best practices, organizations can enhance security and protect sensitive data from attackers.

Top 10 Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) Best Practices

To ensure comprehensive security, it's crucial to implement MFA across all user accounts and devices. By using a combination of different authentication factors like passwords, biometrics, and one-time passcodes, you create layers of security that make it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Regularly updating and strengthening your authentication methods is essential to keep up with evolving threats. Also, educating users on the importance of MFA and how to properly use it helps prevent breaches caused by weak passwords or falling victim to phishing attacks. Monitoring and analyzing authentication logs for suspicious activity provides an additional layer of protection. Moreover, enabling MFA for privileged accounts and critical systems further enhances security.

These are just a few of the Multi Factor Authentication best practices to give you an idea of how easy it is to simply overlook some crucial steps when planning a successful MFA strategy. Now, let's jump to our top 10 Multi Factor Authentication best practices that will ensure optimal MFA results.

1. Enable 2FA/MFA to all your users

To enhance the security of user accounts, it is crucial to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts. By implementing a combination of authentication factors, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens, an extra layer of security is added across the entire organization. Some enterprises choose to enable 2FA/MFA only for a selected few departments that require heightened levels of security.

This is not the best way to think about your security strategy since the threats landscape is evolving by the day, and hackers are commonly targeting the low-hanging fruit. What you need to take from this is that all unprotected user accounts on your network can act as a gateway for gaining unauthorized access to a company network. If any of your user account lack 2FA/MFA, it makes the hacker's job that much easier to circumvent any protection, especially if they are dealing with a plain password.

2. Advertise the benefits of using authenticator apps

Advertise the advantages of incorporating authenticator apps as a Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) method. These apps offer an additional layer of security compared to SMS codes, generating unique and non-transmitted codes. Authenticator apps can function offline, ensuring access even without internet or network availability. Users should be educated on the increased protection against phishing attacks that authenticator apps provide. Highlight the ease and convenience of using authenticator apps, aiming to eliminate reliance on SMS or email codes. Also, encourage users to enable push notifications for faster and smoother authentication experiences.

3. Making Use of Contextual and Adaptive MFA Controls

Contextual and adaptive MFA controls take into consideration additional factors, such as the user's location, device, and behavior patterns, to determine the level of authentication required. This approach provides a more seamless user experience while maintaining a high level of security. By analyzing contextual information like the time of day or the user's usual location, MFA can identify if additional authentication measures are necessary. Adaptive MFA controls dynamically adjust the level of authentication based on risk assessment, creating a flexible and efficient authentication process. By implementing contextual and adaptive MFA, you're also providing the user with a seamless user experience.

4. Consider Passwordless Authentication solutions and their impact

Considering passwordless authentication solutions can have a significant impact on enhancing security and user experience. These solutions eliminate the reliance on traditional passwords and instead utilize alternative methods like biometrics or hardware tokens. By removing the need for passwords, organizations can reduce the risk of password-related attacks such as phishing or credential stuffing. However, it is important to assess the impact of passwordless authentication on factors like user adoption rates, infrastructure requirements, compatibility, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Thorough testing and pilot programs are recommended before implementing passwordless authentication across an organization.

5. Bring together MFA and zero trust

To ensure maximum security, it is advised to combine the MFA and Zero-Trust approach. Although 2FA/MFA is the focus of your cybersecurity strategy, that does not make it the only component of your organization's security efforts. Bear in mind that your MFA strategy can greatly benefit when enriched with additional sets of best practices. We'll take Zero-Trust Security Architecture as a good example of how you can extend your MFA strategy by implementing additional best practices that the model is built on.

6. Pair MFA and SSO for the best UX

Pairing Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) with Single Sign-On (SSO) can enhance the user experience by reducing the number of login prompts while maintaining security. Most users find it inconvenient to authenticate for multiple services. As an average employee, the user logs in to 9.4 different applications during their typical work day. So, by pairing MFA/2FA and SSO, you can spare the user from typing in their password nine times a day.

7. Enable multiple MFA methods to your users

Enabling multiple MFA methods provides flexibility and convenience for users, accommodating different preferences and accessibility needs. A variety of options like SMS verification, email verification, or biometric authentication increase user choice and, consequently, adoption of MFA. Educating users about available MFA methods and setup procedures is essential. Regularly reviewing and updating methods based on feedback and emerging technologies is also a best practice. Consider integrating adaptive authentication solutions that dynamically adjust MFA requirements based on risk factors.

8. Provide the exact OTP that actually works when C/P

Commonly the user is offered to copy and paste the received/generated OTP to finalize their authentication flow. However, there are instances where the sent code includes a ''space'' when selecting the C/P method. This, in turn, results in an unsuccessful authentication attempt and often causes frustration on the user side. Don't let this get in the way of you and the user. Make sure that the sent code is correctly formatted when using the C/P method and provide the ultimate user experience.

9. Educate your users about fallback methods (and provide them)

Fallback methods are alternative authentication options that users can utilize if their primary method is unavailable. Educating users about fallback methods and how to properly use them is crucial. Clear instructions and resources should be provided to assist users in setting up and utilizing these alternative methods. Additionally, regular reminders about the importance of having multiple authentication options should be given to users, along with encouragement to set up and utilize fallback methods. It is also important to keep a record of user preferences for fallback methods, making them easily accessible when needed.

10. Work on application security awareness and provide training

No matter how bulletproof your MFA strategy is, and how many Multi Factor Authentication best practices you've implemented within your security infrastructure, you're left with the one weak link that's not under your control – the human. Make sure to raise cybersecurity awareness within your organization. Ideally, provide training for your employees and educate them on the importance of using MFA, as well as how to recognize phishing attacks and social engineering attempts.

In case you're curious, feel free tocontact us. Our ASEE team will be happy to hear you out.