Did you know that solutions like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) from Entrust can safeguard your sensitive data when accessing the internet, making digital payments, storing personal information, or even data on your smartphone?
Many people are unaware of the various numerous risks associated with using only access codes like passwords and OTPs to protect their sensitive data. According to data from the cybersecurity company Surfshark, Indonesia ranks third in data leakage cases worldwide. In Q3 2022 alone, there were 12.74 million data leaks.
The significant number of cases can be attributed to the development of increasingly sophisticated and organized cyberattacks, coupled with minimal awareness of cybersecurity. Consequently, it’s not surprising that digital data is vulnerable to attacks such as phishing, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and brute force attempts.
To delve deeper into MFA, understand its advantages, and explore its features, we invite you to read the following article.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA, is a multi-step process that users must complete during the account login process. This process involves steps that require more than just a password.
For instance, after entering a password, the user may be prompted to enter a code sent via email or SMS, answer a secret question, or scan a fingerprint. This layered form of authentication is designed to prevent unauthorized access, even if the password is compromised.
How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?
This system operates by requiring various pieces of user identification during the account registration process. The MFA system stores the information provided by the user, using it for verification during subsequent logins.
In more detail, here’s a simulation of how the MFA system functions, including:
Registration
The first step involves creating an account, typically requiring information such as an email, name, and password. Additionally, users may be asked for data like a phone number, OTP code, and other personal information. All this data is stored for future access.
Authentication
Authentication occurs when the user logs in by entering their username and password. Subsequently, the MFA system verifies the password with a second factor, such as an SMS or email OTP code that previously registered.
Accessing Data
After completing the multiple layers of authentication mandated by the MFA system, authorized users can access their accounts.
5 Types of Multi-Factor Authentication and Their Weaknesses
Now that you understand the basic framework and operation of the MFA system, it’s essential to know that this system comprises several layers. Below are several commonly used types of MFA and their vulnerabilities.
Knowledge-Based Verification (KBV)
KBV is an MFA system that relies on a user’s basic personal information, using a question-and-answer method. This MFA system is considered one of the weakest, as the questions often revolve around easily guessed topics, such as pet names, sibling names, and favorite cars. This method is highly susceptible to phishing and MitM attacks.
One-Time Password (SMS, Voice, Email)
This authentication method is perhaps the most frequently used because it appears efficient and makes it easier for users to perform quick verifications. Users simply enter the code provided via SMS or email, but this method actually lacks strong security. It has vulnerabilities to various cyber-attacks, including impersonable voice OTP, SIM card swapping, phishing, and AiTM attacks.
Mobile Push Notifications
This method offers a safer means of authentication because it utilizes user biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition. Typically, this method is used for smartphone access, but with increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks, it is becoming susceptible to prompt bombing.
Time-Based OTP
This method is more sophisticated and secure. In addition to requiring biometric data, it prompts the user to enter a one-time password (OTP) code, which changes after a specified time delay, such as every 30 seconds. However, a lack of awareness can render it vulnerable to phishing and AiTM attacks.
Mobile Push and Mutual Authentication
This MFA system combines mobile push notifications with token authentication to provide additional protection. It is commonly used when accessing different devices, where a code is exchanged between the two devices, and both codes must match. However, this method has started to become vulnerable to complex and sophisticated AiTM attacks.
Multi-Factor Authentication Solutions and Advantages from Entrust
Entrust is a trusted MFA system provider used by numerous standards and international organizations globally. Entrust offers the widest range of MFA methods, including 17 authentication methods such as passwords, mutual authentication, device authentication, IP geolocation, SMS, digital certificates, mobile soft tokens, transaction verification, grid/egrid, QR codes, OTP tokens, mobile device certificates, mobile smart credentials, KBV, smart cards, USB biometrics, and signatures.
In addition to the numerous authentication methods it offers, MFA from Entrust also provides various benefits, including:
- Serving as a single identity management platform for physical, logical, and mobile authentication.
- Being a trusted authenticator as part of the Identity Guard software authentication platform.
- Offering the widest range of authentication methods available on the market today.
- Allowing the deployment of authenticators based on user needs, risk level, and cost.
- Providing advanced protection against evolving cyber-attacks.
- Proving itself as a trusted authenticator in mass-market deployment.
3 Multi-Factor Authentication Features from Entrust
The various benefits offered by Entrust, a global MFA provider, are based on advanced features aimed at combating increasingly structured and sophisticated cyber-attacks. Some of these features include:
Adaptive Authentication System
Entrust provides an Identity and Access Management (IAM) system for evaluating user information during MFA access, considering factors such as location, user behavior, biometrics, and more. This system determines whether a multi-layered security approach is necessary based on the user and the level of risk associated with the data being accessed.
MFA Grid Card
This feature is particularly suitable for organizations with numerous users requiring simultaneous access to substantial amounts of data. Entrust provides a cost-effective and globally proven unique access card solution for each user.
Risk-Based Authentication
Configurable policies within the Entrust Identity platform include risk-based authentication rating tiers. These evaluate user risk based on contextual data, such as location, time of day, device used, and more.
Get Entrust’s Multi-Factor Authentication Solution Exclusively at CDT
It’s time to enhance the security of your sensitive data with Entrust’s Multi-Factor Authentication solution. This will help prevent the risk of data leakage due to unauthorized access by malicious individuals and various types of cyberattacks.
Obtain Entrust’s Multi-Factor Authentication solution through Central Data Technology (CDT). As the official partner in Indonesia, CDT boasts experienced and certified experts to assist your company in implementing this solution, ensuring your business avoids trial and error during and after the deployment process. Learn more about Entrust Multi Factor Authentication by contacting us here.
Author: Wiliam Wong
Translations: Ary Adianto
Content Writer CTI Group
