Secure IT: Multi-Factor Authentication

Online security is a serious issue for all consumers. High-profile, damaging data breaches are becoming more frequent and are impacting businesses of all sizes across every industry. Hackers have made it so users must implement complex, unique passwords as a first line of defense. What can we do as digital users to better protect our data? Multi-factor authentication is a data protection enhancement which adds an additional layer of security.

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What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication, as defined by TechTarget, requires a user to provide more than one type of credential from independent categories in order to grant access. When at least two credentials from different categories are required from a user, it is less likely that a hacker will successfully be able to access sensitive or private information. These categories include something the user knows, something the user has, and something the user is.

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Knowledge Factors

Knowledge factors are pieces of information that a user must provide in order to log in. These factors include usernames, passwords, and Pins. Answers to security questions are also considered to be knowledge factors.

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Possession Factors

Possession factors are anything a user must have in their possession in order to log in. These items include a one-time password, access code, key fob, or employee ID card.

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Inherence Factors

These are any biological characteristics a user has identified as a method for logging in. The most common inherence factors are fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, and retina or iris scans. This type of authentication is unique to every individual and creates added assurance that unauthorized users will not gain access to information they should not have access to.

Creating layers of security through multi-factor authentication is an effective way to protect your data. The technology experts at AJTC can help you keep your data safe. Contact AJTC today to learn more about IT security and other services. You may also visit AJTC here or call 708.942.8200.