MFA Applications: How They Work and How to Use Them

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As long as there is a need for businesses and private users to store vital files and conduct various transactions online, digital security remains largely essential. In this digitally fast-paced world, people who want to interact with services, applications, and data on the web must have at least one online account. Creating an account requires various personal details, and when that is done, you begin storing confidential data on the online platform. It is, therefore, important to protect these accounts, as access to them by the wrong people could ruin the business and user in numerous ways.

The most common form of cyber protection is the use of passwords, and while using passwords is not a bad idea, more is needed. Cybercriminals are becoming more advanced by the day, and getting user passwords seems to be easier nowadays. Also, with numerous users using a single password for multiple accounts, hackers can access more than one account with just one password. 

This problem facilitated the adoption of Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). The authentication approach of MFA is more robust and more secure than the use of a single form of authentication (passwords). With MFA, users and businesses can be sure their accounts are safe even when their passwords are compromised.

According to research in Zippia, MFA blocks a staggering 99.9% of modern automated cyberattacks. This shows how important this security tech trend has become to numerous businesses. There are now several MFA applications in the market, the most popular being Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. 

Read on to learn how MFA applications work and how to employ them in the fight against cybercriminals.

What is Multi-factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is a security process that requires users who want to sign in to a platform for several means of identification or factors to access their accounts. All this is done to correctly verify a user's identity before logging in. This security measure combines two or more varied credentials – what the user knows (password or PIN), what the user is (fingerprints, retinal, or facial recognition), and what the user has (security token).

The goal of applying this security measure to online accounts is to create an almost infallible process that makes it very difficult for cybercriminals and hackers to get into a system. This system can be a physical location, a network, a database, or a computing device. 

With MFA, if one factor is compromised, the malicious actor still has to find their way through the other factors before they can successfully get what they want. This increases cyber resiliency and ensures hackers cannot easily get what they want.

You might have heard of "two-factor authentication" or 2FA. Note that 2FA is a type of, not separate, security system from multi-factor authentication.

Also, it is important to note that "two-factor authentication" or 2FA is not a separate form of MFA. Instead, it is a type of security system from multi-factor authentication. They both work similarly, requiring more than one form of authentication. However, in the battle between 2FA and MFA, MFA takes the lead for its robust and secure approach to validation. 

How Do MFA Applications Work?

MFA applications, or authenticator apps, add security to your device and accounts through the use of the MFA process. These apps are usually used for two separate forms of authentication; multi-step and multi-factor authentication. These steps increase security for sites users visit, especially for modern office IT solutions.

For example, you can install an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator and register with your details. After setting up the account, you can choose any account you want to authenticate. These accounts include Facebook, Dropbox, Gmail, or Instagram, depending on which app you want to focus on.

Authenticating any of these accounts means you will be provided with a unique code from your authenticator app, even after you have logged in successfully with the correct username and password. Hence, if someone gets hold of your password and tries to log in to any of these accounts, they would need to get a code from the authenticator app. 

The codes from authenticator apps are always unique and synchronized with a server. Due to their uniqueness, they are also valid for only a short period of time, usually between thirty to sixty seconds. This means the code can't be reused after the time expires, and a new one must be regenerated. 

This process makes hacking difficult and undesirable, so users and businesses prefer these apps to increase account security.

Types of MFA Applications

There are several types of MFA applications available, including:

  • SMS-based MFA: This type involves a unique code sent to the user's phone via SMS. 

  • Email-based MFA: This type involves a unique code sent to the user's email address.

  • App-based MFA: This type requires the user to download an app on their device, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. The app is responsible for generating the unique code that must be entered in addition to the user's username and password.

  • Hardware-based MFA: This type provides users with a physical device that generates a unique code.

How to Use Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a popular and effective app-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) tool that generates a one-time unique code on your smartphone or tablet. To use Google Authenticator

  • Download and install 

Download and install the Google Authenticator app. It is available for free on both App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Set up Google Authenticator

Once installed, open and click on "Get started." You will then be asked to choose if you want to authenticate with a QR code or manually. Choose one that is best suitable for you. 

  • Link your accounts 

Once you have chosen what you want, the app will automatically link to your account. You can also manually link an account by entering the account name and secret key provided by the service you are using. Repeat this process for any account you want to use with Google Authenticator.

  • Use Google Authenticator 

Whenever you log in to an account that is linked to Google Authenticator, open the Google Authenticator app on your device to generate a unique code. This code changes every 30 seconds, so ensure you enter it quickly before it expires.

How to use Microsoft Authenticator

After installing the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, the authenticator gives you a temporary six-digit alphanumeric code, which changes every minute.

Whenever you log in to a Microsoft account linked to Microsoft Authenticator, a request for an authentication code comes in. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device to generate a unique code. This code changes every 60 seconds, so ensure you enter it quickly before it expires.

Ensure Your Business Is Secure With BrainStomp

BrainStomp helps companies and users increase their security levels through a customized application of MFA technology. We have experienced staff well-versed in strengthening and maintaining online business security. Reach out to our team today to get started.