MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Q:What is multifactor authentication?

A: Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security system in which more than one form of authentication is implemented to verify the legitimacy of a transaction. In contrast, single factor authentication (SFA) involves only a single method such as user ID and password. In two-factor authentication, the user provides dual means of identification, one of which is something the user physically has, such as a token, and the other of which is typically something memorized, such as username and password.

Q: How does MFA increase network security?

A: Instead of using the same username and password for each logon, users are given a token that creates a different one-time password (OTP) every 30 seconds. Each time the user logs on; their password will be different from the last. This is especially helpful with users accessing sensitive corporate data. If a hacker is able to obtain a user's password, or it becomes lost or shared, the password is useless without the token. With each logon, you can be sure users are who they claim to be.