Have you ever tried to log into something quickly, and then been hit with a notice asking you to put in the code that’s been texted to you, feeling a sense of rising anger at the interruption. “I’m going to turn this stupid MFA off!” This attitude is a rising challenge within the digital landscape, where it’s really important to strike a balance between security measures and mitigating the increasingly prevalent MFA frustration.
Multi-Factor Authentication fatigue attacks often take advantage of this attitude, with cyber criminals pushing lots and lots of authentication requests to their victim’s email or device, in the hope that they will wear them down enough to coerce them into accepting even just one of them, which would then give the scammers access to their accounts.
The rise of Multi-Factor Authentication
In the early days, the combination of a username and password served as the bastion of digital security. However, the ever-increasing sophistication of cyber threats commands a more resilient safeguard. Enter MFA, a solution requiring users to authenticate their identity through two or more verification methods (which is why you might also know it as two-factor authentication).
The advent of MFA marked a triumph in the battle against cyber threats, however this heightened security comes with its own set of challenges, chief among them being the widespread notion that it’s a bit of a pain in the bum.
Users confronted with multiple authentication steps can present a sense of digital exhaustion when navigating a labyrinth of security protocols. While the importance of MFA is indisputable, the challenge lies in striking a balance between robust security and user convenience.
Cyber criminals know that people can feel this way, and try and capitalise on it using their fatigue attack methods.
Pursuing a seamless authentication experience
We’re IT professionals first, but we’re also realists, and we’re aware of the prevalent challenges of attitudes towards MFA. That’s why we’re committed to refining your digital experience, where security and user-friendly interactions don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Choosing authentication methods
Not all authentication methods are created equal. We can help you choose methods that align with your business. Whether that involves biometrics such as finger prints or face recognition, push notifications, SMS or other methods, we can ensure the MFA strategy across your business resonates with preferences, lessening negative feeling towards Multi-Factor Authentication.
Synchronising MFA across devices
Ensuring consistency across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops can help contribute to a seamless MFA process.
Education and empowerment
A huge part of digital security relies on users having enough knowledge to give them confidence in spotting attempted security breaches, as well as in the systems and process they’re required to use.
Educating your team on the significance of MFA and the rationale behind it, will make it more likely that they’ll embrace the process willingly.
Customising security settings
Tailoring security settings is another way to strik an optimal balance between safety and convenience. Multi-Factor Authentication settings can be adjusted to suit the needs of individuals – for example, not having to sign in using MFA every single time if it’s not needed, ensuring robust security without creating an insurmountable barrier.
Overcoming MFA fatigue and embracing a secure future
In the expansive realm of cyberspace, MFA is an essential layer of protection against malicious threats. Yet organisations shouldn’t ignore MFA apathy that must be addressed in order to ensure its acceptance by employees, and therefore continued effectiveness.
We endeavour to make your digital journey both secure and seamless, looking towards a future where security and user experience exist happily side-by-side. Whether you’re frustrated with your current MFA practices, or you’re looking to implement more extensive security across your business, get in touch with us and we can help.
