Multi-factor authentication ensures that a user is who they claim to be. The more factors used to determine a person’s identity, the greater the trust of authenticity.

It can be achieved using a combination of the following factors:

  • Something You Know – password or PIN
  • Something You Have – token or smart card (two-factor authentication)
  • Something You Are – biometrics, such as a fingerprint (three-factor authentication)

Because multi-factor authentication security requires multiple means of identification at login, it is widely recognized as the most secure method for authenticating access to data and applications.

Multi-factor authentication serves a vital function within any organization -securing access to corporate networks, protecting the identities of users, and ensuring that a user is who he claims to be.

Evolving business needs around cloud applications and mobile devices, combined with rising threats, and the need to reduce costs, require entirely new considerations for access control.

The Need for Multi-Factor Authentication:

New threats, risks, and vulnerabilities as well as evolving business requirements underscore to the need for a strong authentication approach based on simple service delivery, choice, and future-forward scalability.

Today, organizations are asking:

  • Can I address new demands of my business — like cloud and mobile devices?
  • How do I map access control methods to business risk and the needs of my users?
  • Can I centrally manage, control and administer all my users and endpoints?
  • Who controls my user data?
  • How can I incorporate additional security layers to help me further fortify against threats?
  • And how do I keep it all practical and cost-effective?

More than ever, customers are looking for identity and access management solutions that deliver simplicity, automation, reduced TCO and choice.

Considerations for Selecting a Multi-Factor Authentication Solution

With the plethora of access control offerings available today, it is important for organizations to carefully evaluate the available solutions before making a decision on which solution to implement. When choosing a solution, organizations should take a number of factors into account. The following are some questions to consider:

  • Do I want to protect my internal network from unauthorized access?
    If so, consider two-factor authentication (2FA) solutions that enable flexible and comprehensive secure network access, both in the office and remotely if needed.
  • Do my users need to connect from remote locations?If so, consider portable solutions that enable secure VPN and web access for remote users, and that enable employees to secure their laptops and data while on the road.
  • Do my users need to access many password-protected applications?
    If so, consider solutions that provide single sign-on functionality, either by storing user credentials on the token or by integrating with external single sign-on systems.
  • I want my users to digitally sign and encrypt sensitive data or transactions?
    If so, consider smart card-based solutions that provide secure onboard PKI key generation and cryptographic operations, as well as mobility for users.
  • How sensitive is my business data?
    The more sensitive the data, the higher the priority on the robustness and security of the solution.
  • Do I want to firmly protect data that sits on my users’ PCs and laptops?
    If so, consider token solutions that integrate with PC security products such as boot protection and disk encryption applications that require the use of a token to boot a computer or decrypt protected data.
  • Have I or do I want to implement a secure physical access solution?
    If so, consider token solutions that enable integration with physical access systems.

Contact us to evaluate your exact requirement and recommend the best suitable solution.