Multi-Factor Authentication Myths You Should Be Aware Of

When accessing accounts and applications remotely or otherwise, users are typically expected to enter usernames and passwords, which are the basic form of authentication credentials. 

However, if these credentials get compromised and exposed by cyber criminals, it leaves the entire application and system vulnerable and increases the risks of data breaches and other malicious attacks.

This is where Multi-Factor Authentication plays a huge role. 

MFA or Multi-Factor Authentication employs multiple authentication methods, adding extra security and requiring users to pass through each authentication to access the application and system they request. For example, it could include mobile verification, call or email authentication, biometric verification, or voice recognition. 

Thus, MFA is key to reducing cyberattack risks and preventing data breaches. However, several myths are involved around Multi-Factor Authentication. 

In this article, we’ll bust some of the common MFA myths and share the best Multi-Factor Authentication service you can adopt for your company. So, let’s get started. 

Common Multi-Factor Authentication Myths

Here are the most common MFA myths and misconceptions to be aware of. 

  • MFA is unnecessary as passwords are enough 

While passwords and usernames allow you to secure your accounts and profiles from online attacks, they aren’t enough to prevent cyberattacks and breaches. 

Many users and employees tend to use and rely on weak passwords, which can be easily guessed and compromised by cybercriminals for malicious purposes. 80% of data breaches are due to poor and weak password habits. 

Hence, one of the biggest misconceptions to avoid is assuming passwords are enough and MFA isn’t required. MFA protects weak passwords, making it difficult for hackers to access the accounts and exploit the network. 

  • MFA is only useful to major businesses 

The scale and size of a business have no significant impact on whether there is a need for Multi-Factor Authentication. 

Every business, small or large-scale, holds sensitive and confidential data, private customer information, and financial data, which requires strict security and regulation. 

Besides, cyberattackers target all sizes of organisations and businesses. Enabling MFA authentication adds that extra security layer, ensuring data integrity and security for your business. 

  • MFA is difficult to setup and implement 

Many companies avoid implementing Multi-Factor Authentication solutions, assuming they’re difficult to set up, which is nothing more than a myth. 

The best MFA providers, like InstaSafe, offer fast and easy deployment, with flexible integrations and configurations with a Zero Trust Security setup. 

  • MFA is highly expensive to enable than 2FA 

This misconception ages way back to the earlier Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) days, when each hardware token and authentication factor cost a lot of money, which was expensive. 

However, it’s crucial to note that the budget of this security protocol or token is way more budget-friendly and affordable than the loss you’d encounter due to the lack of MFA in the event of data losses. 

  • Only privileged employees need MFA implementation 

Many companies assume that since only privileged employees and administrators can access sensitive and confidential data, they should be the only ones to require MFA and leverage Multi-Factor Authentication advantages. 

However, this assumption shouldn’t apply as every corporate employee can access the company’s sensitive data at some level. Hence, enabling MFA is crucial to prevent phishing attacks and breaches at each stage. 

Conclusion 

MFA is the key to protecting critical business files, data, and applications from cyber-attacks and online threats. Hope this article helps you resolve the common MFA myths and misconceptions so you can make a better-informed decision about choosing the right MFA service for your business. 

You can check InstaSafe’s products and their Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication service for simple and secure user verification and authentication solutions.