MFA vs 2FA – What’s the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons)
MFA vs 2FA – What’s the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons). In this post, we introduce both MFA and 2FA. After that, we explain the key differences of each method.
Are you only relying on single factor authentication passwords? Those days are almost over. Today, IT security teams tasked with managing users’ identities and access is turning toward safer options:
Multifactor authentication (MFA) and two factor authentication (2FA). Both, two factor authentication and multi factor authentication are necessary components of the cyber security ecosystem. While you may want to believe the two are synonymous, 2FA and MFA are not exactly the same.
If you are a beginner in the cybersecurity landscape, terms like MFA and 2FA might seem pretty confusing. Sometimes, you may use MFA and 2FA interchangeably. While both may be similar in some ways, they are not the same. Both acronyms have been widely used for years and are integral to what every IT security team does. So let us clarify MFA and 2FA once and for all.
So, shall we start with MFA vs 2FA – What’s the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons).
What Is MFA?
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First of all, MFA is a multi layered security solution that verifies the user’s identity to log in using two or more authentication factors required for application access. Well, it is a validation system that requires the user to present more than two forms of identification before they are allowed access to the network or an application. Quite simply, MFA deploys several factors to validate a user’s identity and grant access to different systems, software, applications, and data.
Moreover, multi factor authentication is a security technology that requires multiple authentication methods by separate categories of credentials to validate the user’s identity for logins or other transactions. Passwordless MFA combines both concepts by using multiple non password factors to authenticate users. Instead of requiring the user to use several credentials to authenticate for various accounts, single sign on (SSO) enables single authentication, which provides access to many applications.
Nevertheless, MFA is a security improvement, whereas SSO is a productivity enhancing system. All in all, it allows users to use one set of login credentials to log into multiple systems and applications, which may previously require a separate login.
Because you seamlessly integrate passwordless authentication methods into the multi factor approach and avoid the security risks of weak, compromised passwords, they are more secure by nature.
Features of MFA
- MFA is the universal term for establishing end users’ identities using passwords, along with at least one other authentication method.
- A method that adds an extra layer of security above and beyond username and password. It protects the environment, the people within it, and the devices they use without clunky resets or complex guidelines.
- Helps to establish trust before establishing a user’s identity by using multiple, more secure factors. Also, ensure that you use managed devices when needed.
- Deploy MFA solutions quickly with very less human contact and logistics.
- Compatible with all applications, irrespective of who you use it for.
- Adaptive and allows users to access their environment from any place at any time securely.
Pros of MFA
- For straightforward implementation of MFA, you can use physical tokens.
- Using multi factor authentication at the core, you can protect sensitive information.
- With MFA, you give an extra layer of protection to an organization’s security.
- Even if a device with MFA is lost or misplaced, there is no compromise of data or access.
Cons of MFA
- Second factor authentication can be a frustrating experience for a new user.
- Setting up an MFA can be time consuming and expensive.
- There may be inconsistencies with setting up an MFA across a company.
- Phishing remains a big issue with MFA.
Up next with MFA vs 2FA – What’s the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons) we have 2FA to introduce.
What Is 2FA?
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Second tool we are comparing in this article is two factor authentication. A form of multi factor authentication. Overall, it is a security process that double checks users using two separate forms of identity. Most often through an email address and mobile phone verification.
Before we get into what is two factor authentication, or 2FA, let us think about why it is important to do what you can to increase your security on online accounts.
All in all, two factor authentication requires one extra login credential over and above your username and password to access your account. And getting this second credential requires you to have access to something owned by you.
Companies use two factor authentication to add an extra layer of security against common attack schemes such as social engineering, phishing, and aggressive password stealing attacks. There are various second factor authentication components you use with 2FA for protecting access to applications.
Particularly, two factor authentication is always used on top of the usual username/password verification. It strengthens security by making it harder for attackers to obtain unauthorized access, even if a criminal gets past the first authentication phase.
As passwords become less secure due to information leaks or bad user practices, more individuals are switching to two factor authentication to protect their digital lives. Several service providers are encouraging or mandating this switch, too.
Key Features of 2FA
- Two factor authentication is slightly more convenient than MFA but is considerably less secure and has everything to do with how you manage passwords.
- 2FA provides an extra layer of cyber security by asking users to provide two or more identifying factors before they are granted access.
- Two factor authentication has become crucial for companies to secure users’ accounts, assets, and data, as well as users. In order to remain secure, particularly since it is the perfect method for cybercriminals to bypass one factor security.
- 2FA is safer since you require two different factors than 2SV, which typically requires two steps with the same factor.
- A 2FA used for accounts supporting recognition signals like location behavior (Inherence) and mobile push (possession), two methods that are among the hardest to hack, can be considered safer than MFA, with three distinct factors.
Pros of 2FA
- Provides layers of security. It adds a second layer of security.
- It gives your system security variation.
- 2FA is relatively inexpensive. It is cost effective.
Cons of 2FA
- 2FA is not 100% flawless.
- Two factor authentication can be a tiresome experience.
- 2FA can malfunction. It, however, depends on the system you implement.
MFA Vs 2FA - The Key Differences
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MFA vs 2FA - Definition
On the other, two factor authentication is slightly more convenient than MFA but is considerably less secure and has everything to do with the way that you manage passwords. It is a subset of multi factor authentication.
MFA vs 2FA - Working Principle
Here, 2FA is a way to gain access to an online account or computer system, which requires a user to provide two distinct types of information. With two factor authentication, you get an additional layer of security for logging into your accounts through two forms of verification. It mitigates the low security of passwords.
MFA vs 2FA - Complexity
Interestingly, two factor authentication and multi factor authentication attach an extra layer of caution by requiring users to provide two or more identifying factors before they are granted access.
Similarly, multi factor authentication and two factor authentication have become crucial for enterprises to secure users’ accounts, assets, and data. You require this in order to remain secure, particularly since it is the perfect method for cybercriminals to bypass one factor security.
We advocate for three factors of authentication, password managers, an authenticator app, and physical security keys. An authentication factor is any security credential used to confirm a user’s permission to access the content in question.
MFA vs 2FA - Security
Since users are logging into their systems anytime from anywhere, MFA helps to ensure they are who they claim to be, prompting additional authentication factors that are harder for hackers to mimic or brute force methods to break. Passwordless MFA provides a simple to use, easy to integrate authentication system with no security drawbacks of 2FA or traditional MFA.
Another factor to system access also includes 2FA applications a user might have downloaded on their phone or computer, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. First, 2FA is safer since two different factors are required, as opposed to two step verification (2SV), which typically requires two steps with the same factor (like two factor authentication).
On the opposite end of the scale, a 2FA account using two authentication methods, such as trusted location and mobile push (security key), is a very strong security measure since those are among the methods most difficult to hack.
MFA vs 2FA - Use Cases
Specifically, Multi factor authentication is one of the most effective ways for businesses to protect their systems and customers’ online accounts from hacking, spamming, data theft, and more.
Also, Two factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two distinct forms of identification in order to access something. 2FA is used to strengthen the security of an online account, a smartphone, or even a door.
Thank you for reading MFA vs 2FA – What’s the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons). We shall conclude now.
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MFA vs 2FA - What's the Difference ? (Security Pros and Cons) Conclusion
Summarizing, MFA solutions help establish trust before establishing a user’s identity by using multiple, more secure factors and ensuring that you use managed devices when needed.
Wirth remembering, two factor authentication is one subset of MFA. Both are increasingly being used to enhance security beyond that provided by a password alone.
Advances in the study of 2FA for mobile devices have considered various methods in which you could implement the second factor without being an obstacle for the user.
Multiple authentication modes, like email, phone, browser push notifications, device based authentication, challenging questions, and touch ID, provide flexibility for your users and increase your overall security.
Please take a look at our MFA/SSO blog to read more content, like this.
