Have you ever received a security code by cell phone or email when trying to recover a password? If so, you've already been through a multifactor authentication process. This feature is widely used by companies to increase security when it comes to authenticating users.
Although using a password is still the most traditional form of authentication, this method is unreliable. For example, when a password is stolen, scammers can use the owner's credentials to log into a bank account and cause a lot of damage. As a way of providing an additional layer of security, many companies have adopted multifactor authentication (MFA).
In this article, you'll find out:
- What multifactor authentication is.
- How MFA works.
- The benefits of multifactor authentication.
- Why invest in multifactor authentication.
Let's go?
What is multifactor authentication?
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a multi-layered security feature used in logins to verify and authenticate a user's identity.
In general, MFA relies on three types of authentication:
- Something you have: refers to something physical, such as a government-issued ID, mobile phone, or token.
- Something you know: refers to something you know, something you have in mind, such as the user + password combination, security questions, and PIN codes.
- Something you are: this is based on characteristics that are unique to the individual. In this case, the types of identification made with biometrics stand out.
Of the above, the third — something you are — is the most secure of all. Biometrics uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to authenticate a user's identity. These biometric data are difficult to falsify, making the method more secure and reliable.
How multifactor authentication works with biometrics
When a user accesses a system protected by multifactor authentication, the platform itself prompts the user for credentials that go beyond the usual login. To make it easier to understand, here's a look at the MFA process with biometrics:
- In the first factor, the user enters the password.
- In the second factor, the system asks for biometric verification, such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
- If both factors are successfully verified, the user is granted access to the system. If either factor is not verified, access is denied.
And what are the benefits of using multifactor authentication?
Benefits of multifactor authentication with biometrics
Given the wide range of benefits of MFA, some companies are requiring its use. Here are the main benefits:
Reduced risk of fraud
As products and services become more digital, customer data becomes more vulnerable. This requires companies to invest in security and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Protect data
By requiring more than one factor of identification, MFA ensures that only the account holder or authorized individuals can access an account. This prevents malicious actors from gaining access to sensitive user data.
Ease of deployment
Cloud-based multifactor authentication services are easy to deploy and less expensive than other methods.
Why invest in biometric multifactor authentication?
With the increasing use of digital services, it is imperative that companies provide their customers with security during online transactions. According to Serasa Experian's Fraud meter, by the end of February 2024, the number of identity fraud attempts had already reached the 1.5 million mark.
The use of biometric technologies has proven to be an effective solution to ensure user authenticity, protect data, and prevent fraud. To this end, BioPass ID's Multibiometrics package of biometric solutions brings together various functionalities and all the infrastructure needed to build applications with biometric authentication.
Extending Data Security with MFA
In this article, we learned what multifactor authentication is, the main factors used in MFA, and how biometrics can be a great ally in the fight against fraud. By combining multiple layers of security, organizations can ensure the protection of users and data.
To ensure the integrity of online transactions, you can rely on solutions like BioPass ID's Multibiometrics. Find out how technology is being used in Financial fraud: how multi-factor authentication can help solve the problem
