What is Multifactor Authentication and why do you need to use it?

We all have more online accounts than we really know what to do with! For the most part we simply login to any account with a username and password. However, due to the increase in sophistication of hacking techniques, constant data breeches, and social engineering, simple usernames and passwords are constantly getting hacked and stolen. Which means they aren’t good enough to keep your account out of the hands of bad people.

What is Single Factor Authentication?

Signal Factor Authentication, or SFA, refers to logins that only utilize a username and password.

What is Multifactor Authentication?

Multifactor Authentication, or MFA, adds additional layers of security to your SFA.

How does it work?

Most accounts have the option to add MFA to them. Whether you are checking your GMAIL, Facebook, Twitter, or shopping at Amazon.

Basically you set up more than a simple username and password. MFA uses your username, something you know, and something you have.

“Something You Know” refers to a password, PIN, security questions, or other personal information that you provide.

“Something You Have” refers to a code sent to your mobile device, an app that asks you to approve the login, a USB drive, or some other physical authentication that must be input in a timely manner to ensure you are the one actually making the login request.

Basically, adding MFA to your accounts means that a hacker cannot access your account even if they have the username and password since they will not have the 3^rd part – the Something You Have.