Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of authentication to access a system or perform an action. The idea behind MFA is to make it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access to a system or steal sensitive information.
The concept of MFA has been around for decades, but the use of MFA has evolved over time as new technologies have emerged. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of MFA:
- Password-based MFA: One of the earliest forms of MFA was password-based MFA, which required users to provide a password in addition to something they knew (e.g., a PIN or a security question). This was an improvement over single-factor authentication, which relied on a password alone, but it was still vulnerable to attacks such as phishing and password cracking.
- Token-based MFA: Token-based MFA involves the use of a physical token, such as a key fob or a smart card, to provide an additional layer of authentication. The user must enter a code generated by the token in addition to their password to access the system. This type of MFA is more secure than password-based MFA, as the physical token is much harder to replicate or steal than a password.
- SMS-based MFA: SMS-based MFA involves the use of a mobile phone to provide an additional layer of authentication. When the user attempts to log in, they are sent a code via SMS that they must enter in addition to their password. This type of MFA is more secure than password-based MFA, but it is vulnerable to attacks such as SIM swapping, in which an attacker takes control of the victim’s phone number and can intercept the MFA codes.
- Biometric MFA: Biometric MFA involves the use of biometric data, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, to provide an additional layer of authentication. This type of MFA is more secure than SMS-based MFA, as it is much harder to replicate or steal biometric data than a phone number.
- App-based MFA: App-based MFA involves the use of a smartphone app to provide an additional layer of authentication. When the user attempts to log in, they are sent a notification via the app that they must confirm in order to access the system. This type of MFA is more secure than SMS-based MFA, as it is not vulnerable to attacks such as SIM swapping.