Digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and protecting our online accounts is paramount. In addition to long, strong passwords, one of the most effective cybersecurity tools you can use to protect your account is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA). You may have heard about it before, but we’ll help you understand what 2FA and MFA is, how it works, why it is crucial for safeguarding our digital lives, how scammers try to get around it, and how you can enable this level of protection on some of the most popular apps and websites.
What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Your online accounts, like email or bank accounts, are virtual safes where you keep important data, information, and even money. Just like you’d use a key to open a safe, you use a password to access your accounts. However, for important things, you want additional protection, in case you lose the key or someone copies it. A password is a bit like having just one regular lock on your safe. So, Two-Factor Authentication is like adding another lock, or an extra layer of security.
Here’s how it works: After you put in your password, the system asks for one more thing (or factor) to make sure it’s really you trying to get in. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, facial recognition, or even a security question only you know the answer to. It’s like saying, “Hey, I know the password, and I also have this additional thing that proves it’s me.”
So, Two-Factor Authentication is like having a double lock on your virtual safe. Even if someone gets your password, they’d still need that extra thing to actually get into your accounts. It’s just an extra layer of protection to keep your online stuff safe and sound. Therefore, 2FA needs you to give it two different authentication factors to verify your identity. These factors fall into three main categories:
- Knowledge factors: Something the user knows, such as a password, PIN, or answers to security questions.
- Possession factors: Something the user possesses, like a smartphone, security token, or smart card.
- Biometric factors: Something unique to the user, like fingerprints or facial recognition.
By combining two of these factors, 2FA adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access accounts.
How is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) different from Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
Since two-factor authentication requires at least two of these factors to get in, multi-factor authentication cranks it up a notch. It’s like adding extra locks to the door – making it way harder for anyone to sneak in without permission. So, while two-factor is double trouble, multifactor is like a whole squad of security measures keeping your stuff safe.
How Does 2FA or MFA Work?
The basic premise of multi-factor authentication involves presenting at least two different types of evidence during the login process. Here are the steps the 2FA process usually follows:
- You Initiate a Login: You begin to log in to a service, entering your username and password.
- First Factor (Knowledge): You provide the first factor, typically a password. This should be something only you know.
- Second (2FA) and Third (MFA) Factor:
- (Knowledge): After successfully entering the password, it may ask you to answer additional security questions only you should know the answer to.
- (Possession): After successfully entering the password, the system may send you a text message with a temporary code, or ask you to enter a code from an authenticator app on your phone.
- (Biometric): After successfully entering the password, you are asked to provide a second factor, such as a thumbprint or facial recognition
- Authentication Successful: If both factors are correct, you’re then allowed to proceed into your account.
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication
Enabling multi-factor authentication is critical for improving the security of your online accounts, addressing vulnerabilities that using passwords alone can expose you to, such as brute force attacks, phishing, and credential stuffing. Passwords, no matter how strong, can be compromised, and MFA acts as an additional layer of defense. Even if a hacker gains access to a user’s password through various means, they would still be thwarted without the second factor required for entry.
Beyond strengthening security, MFA serves as a crucial defense mechanism against unauthorized access. Particularly in cases where passwords are stolen or leaked, the additional layer of authentication becomes a formidable barrier. With the second factor, even if a hacker manages to get your username and password, they would find it challenging to breach your account, improving overall security.
One of the noteworthy benefits of MFA is its effectiveness in mitigating credential stuffing attacks. This is when hackers use stolen username and password combinations obtained from breaches on other websites to try to gain unauthorized access. However, MFA disrupts this approach, as even if the attacker has your real passwords, the second factor can help to block their authentication, significantly reducing the efficacy of credential stuffing attacks.
In addition to its role in fortifying security, MFA is often mandated by regulatory compliance in certain industries. Meeting these compliance requirements is essential for organizations handling sensitive data. Implementing MFA not only helps in adhering to industry standards but also ensures that robust authentication measures are in place to safeguard sensitive information, contributing to a comprehensive approach to data protection.
Exploiting MFA and 2FA: Scams and Tactics
As the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and while 2FA is an important and powerful tool, it’s not immune to exploitation by cybercriminals. Attackers have found several ways of getting around MFA. It’s important to understand how these work, so you don’t fall victim to them after setting up MFA.
Phishing Attacks
Phishers may trick users into providing both factors by creating fake login pages. In this type of attack, you’ll get an email that looks to be from a trusted source. Maybe it’s an online shopping site asking you to login regarding a purchase, a social media site telling you there’s a message, or another website that tells you there’s something wrong with your account. These phishing emails usually link to a fake website that looks like a real login page. Once you put in your credentials, they’ll program the fake site to enter it into the real website – including the 2FA code – and then the attackers can start using it to access your genuine account.
SIM Swapping
SIM cards are the little cards in your phone that tells your cell phone carrier who the phone belongs to. In SIM swapping attacks, fraudsters are able to convince your cell phone carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) to transfer your phone number to a new phone that they own. They usually come up with a sad story about losing the phone or an emergency that requires them to switch phones. Once the attacker has control over your phone number, they are the ones who will get the text message when 2FA codes sent via SMS. If you notice you’re suddenly not getting text messages or can’t make calls, contact your cell phone provider immediately.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
A Man-in-the-Middle attack is when a hacker intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties without their knowledge. As it relates to bypassing 2FA, a Man-in-the-Middle attack aims to intercept the authentication process between the user and the service they are attempting to access. Typically, after entering a password, you’ll get the second factor, such as a temporary code through a cell phone or authenticator app. In a Man-in-the-Middle attack, the attacker secretly intercepts the communication between the user and the authentication service. This is especially common when using public WIFI, where the hacker can capture the initial password entered by the user and then relay it to the service while simultaneously capturing or blocking the second factor.
The attacker can then use the intercepted credentials, including the temporary code, to gain unauthorized access to your account. To you, it may look like you have successfully completed the 2FA process, while, in reality, the attacker has manipulated the communication to compromise the authentication. To mitigate the risk of Man-in-the-Middle attacks, it’s crucial to use secure communication channels (such as HTTPS), be cautious of phishing emails, and ensure that the 2FA process involves secure and encrypted transmission of authentication data.
Fake Phone Calls
One version of the man-in-the-middle attack involves the attacker calling you to ask you for the second authentication factor. Imagine getting a call from your bank saying there’s a problem with your account and they’re going to send you a code. Then, they ask you for the code that just popped up on your phone. In reality, they’re logging into your account and need the code as the second authentication factor. That’s why messages with the 2FA code normally tell you not to give it to ANYONE and tell you they’ll never ask you for the code. Never give the code you receive on your phone to anyone!
How to Enable Multi or Two-Factor Authentication: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the importance of 2FA and the potential risks, here’s how to enable it on some of the most popular apps and websites:
1. Google
- Go to your Google Account Settings.
- Select “Security.”
- Under “Signing in to Google,” select “2-Step Verification.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up 2FA, choosing from options like SMS, authenticator app, or backup codes.
2. Facebook
- Go to your Facebook Security Settings.
- Select “Use two-factor authentication.”
- Choose your preferred method: text message, authentication app, or security key.
3. Twitter
- Go to your Twitter Account Settings.
- Select “Security and account access.”
- Under “Two-factor authentication,” click “Set up.”
- Choose between text message and authentication app for receiving verification codes.
4. Microsoft
- Go to your Microsoft Account Security page.
- Under “Two-step verification,” select “Turn on two-step verification.”
- Follow the prompts to set up 2FA using an authenticator app, email, or phone.
5. Amazon
- Go to your Amazon Account Settings.
- Under “Advanced Security Settings,” click “Edit” next to “Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings.”
- Follow the steps to enable 2FA using an authenticator app, text messages, or backup codes.
6. Apple
- On iOS: Go to “Settings” > [your name] > “Password & Security” > “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.”
- On macOS: Go to “Apple Menu” > “System Preferences” > “Apple ID” > “Password & Security” > “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enable 2FA.
7. Dropbox
- Go to your Dropbox Security settings.
- Under “Two-step verification,” click “Enable.”
- Choose your preferred method: text message or authenticator app.
By enabling 2FA on these platforms, users significantly enhance the security of their accounts and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication Where Possible
Multi-Factor Authentication is currently one of the best defenses you can take against never ending cyber threats. Understanding why it’s important, how it works, and the potential risks involved in managing it, is crucial. As you navigate the digital landscape, implementing MFA on your accounts isn’t just a best practice, but a necessity to protect your valuable information from falling into the wrong hands. Share this with family and friends so they also have the extra layer of protection provided by Multi-Factor Authentication.