Multi-factor Authentication

multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor Authentication

You’ve seen this already. You try to access your Gmail account and you have to put in a code Google texted to your phone; or you add a credit card to Apple Pay on your iPhone and you have to approve the addition from another Apple device. Everybody has passwords – and they’re getting longer and more complex all the time! We all hate it. The answer coming down the pike is multi-factor authentication (MFA). Here’s the idea. Instead of just providing your password to access your data (email, files, etc.) you provide at least two of the following: Something you know (like your password), something you have (like a code from your mobile device) or something you are (like your fingerprint.)

MFA is being used more and more. There are apps that you can put on your mobile device that generate a code every 30 seconds. Your bank may require you to put in a code that was texted to your mobile device. Your online shopping site may require you to put in a PIN to login. You can receive a code via text message. You can use facial recognition (read about the Enterprise-grade security of Windows Hello here.) You can use the fingerprint scanner on the home button of your iPhone.

Get used to it. MFA is here and it will become the norm. If you want to increase security, give us a call. 704-814-8819