Cyber Word of the Week: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of account compromise. It requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before they can gain access to an account or system.

What Is MFA?

MFA works by combining multiple authentication factors to confirm a user’s identity. This reduces the chances of an unauthorized user gaining access, even if one credential, such as a password, is compromised.

The three common MFA factors are:

• Something you know – A password or PIN
• Something you have – A physical device like a phone, smart card, or code generator
• Something you are – Biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition

For authentication to qualify as MFA, at least two different categories must be used. Two passwords (like a password and a security question) do not count as MFA.

Why MFA Matters

MFA is a powerful defense against phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks. Even if a password is compromised, a second authentication factor, such as a verification code, can block unauthorized access.

While MFA isn't foolproof (some advanced attackers can bypass it under specific conditions), it still adds a critical layer of protection and supports a defense-in-depth approach to cybersecurity.

If MFA is available for any of your accounts, especially for email, banking, or administrative tools, it’s best practice to enable and enforce it.

Final Thoughts

Multi-factor authentication is a simple yet highly effective way to secure your accounts and data. If you're not using it yet, now is the time to start.

Want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture further? Check out:

What Is Tailgating in Cybersecurity? (And Why It’s a Real Threat)

What Is Device Hardening?