What is the Evolution of Multi Factor Authentication
The evolution of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has been driven by the need for heightened security in response to rising cyberthreats. Multi-factor authentication has seen a shift in authentication methods driven by a need for enhanced online security, better user experience, and technology advancements. MFA continues to innovate with the growth of threats and the need for more seamless and secure authentication methods. The future will likely see further advancements in decentralized identities, more sophisticated biometrics, and more reliance on AI-driven security measures.
Drivers for the Evolution of MFA
From its inception, multi-factor authentication was essential to IT and security teams’ arsenal. The following are several primary drivers for this adoption and subsequent evolution of multi-factor authentication solutions.
Mobile Device Explosion
The broad adoption of multi-factor authentication as a security staple is closely tied to the mobile device explosion, which played a crucial role in its evolution. The widespread use of smartphones and tablets created a need for enhanced security measures to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Scale and Sophistication of Cybersecurity Threats
Cyberthreats, such as data breaches perpetrated by criminals focused on credit card and identity theft, have driven the need for MFA. As cyberthreats increase frequency and become more sophisticated, MFA evolves to address new and changing threats.
Today, for example, traditional password-based security measures are enhanced with strong password policies and augmented with sophisticated new factors such as behavioral biometrics and one-time passwords (OPT). This approach reduces phishing and other social engineering risks associated with passwords.
Regulatory Requirements Data Protection
Regulatory compliance has significantly driven the adoption and evolution of multi-factor authentication. Many regulations and industry standards now require MFA implementation, with failure to comply resulting in financial, legal, and operational penalties. These requirements come from both governments and industry groups. In the United States, regulations like CCPA and HIPAA require appropriate authentication controls, including MFA.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union requires organizations to implement appropriate security measures, including MFA, to protect personal information. Industry standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) require financial institutions to use MFA to secure access to systems handling payment information.
Cloud Computing and Changing Workplaces
The move from on-premises software and services to the cloud has expanded organizations’ attack surfaces as the number of tools users log into has exploded.
Each login screen offers attackers a potential point of entry. Suppose an attacker can compromise just one user’s credentials. This trend has driven the growth in scale and strength of multi-factor authentication solutions.
This ability to access cloud services and SaaS tools has facilitated the shift towards remote work. Remote work has spurred the evolution of multi-factor authentication, as online security is required to authenticate users accessing networks from many different locations and devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, or laptops).
Brief History of Multi-Factor Authentication
While it is disputed who originated the concept, the earliest use of multi-factor authentication dates back to early ATMs. Users had to have a physical card and a PIN to access their accounts. The first ATM came online on June 27, 1967, at a Barclays bank branch in London. The first ATM in the United States debuted on Sept. 2, 1969, at a Chemical Bank branch on Long Island, New York.
- Password-Based Authentication (1970s-1980s):
- Initial Approach: Early computer systems relied solely on passwords for user authentication
- Limitations: Passwords are often weak, easily guessable, and vulnerable to phishing attacks and brute-force hacking
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Emergence (1990s):
- Concept Introduction: Introduced the practice of combining two different factors, usually something the user knows (password) and something the user has (hardware token)
- Hardware Tokens: Physical devices, such as RSA SecurID tokens, generated time-based or sequence-based OTP (One-Time Passwords)
- Software-Based 2FA (2000s):
- Mobile Authentication: Smartphones enabled software-generated OTPs, reducing the need for hardware tokens. Apps like Google Authenticator became popular
- SMS-Based 2FA: Sending OTPs via SMS provided a convenient way to deliver secondary authentication tokens. However, vulnerabilities such as SIM swapping and intercepting messages emerged
- Biometric Authentication (2010s):
- Enhanced Security: Introduction of biometric factors like fingerprints, facial recognition, and retinal scans. Devices like smartphones, equipped with biometric sensors, made this more accessible
- Multi-Factor Systems: Combining biometrics with traditional methods (passwords and OTPs) for stronger authentication
- Adaptive and Risk-Based Authentication (Mid-2010s-Present):
- Contextual Factors: Use additional parameters such as device fingerprinting, geolocation, and user behavior analytics to assess the risk level of authentication attempts
- Dynamic MFA: Authentication methods dynamically change based on the assessed risk. For example, a low-risk login requires only a password, while high-risk logins require additional factors
- Passwordless Authentication (Late 2010s-Present):
- Evolution Beyond Passwords: Moving towards eliminating the password. Solutions include biometric authentication, push notifications to a trusted device, and FIDO (Fast Identity Online) standards
- FIDO2 and WebAuthn: Adopting protocols that support secure, passwordless authentication involving cryptographic keys
- Beyond Authentication – Continuous Authentication (2020s and Beyond):
- Continuous Verification: Instead of one-time authentication at login, systems continuously verify user identity during the session using contextual and behavioral analytics
- AI and Machine Learning: Leveraging advanced algorithms to detect anomalies and potentially fraudulent activities in real time
The Future of Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is poised to remain part of organizations’ security postures. Experts expect to see the use of AI and machine learning to expand. Other innovations to look for include blockchain and quantum-resistant MFA.
AI and Machine Learning
Existing multi-factor authentication solutions are expected to continue to expand their use of AI and machine learning. Areas to look for further use of AI and machine learning include identifying deep fakes attempting to trick MFA controls, enhancing adaptive authentication, expanding anomaly detection based on user and entity behavior and other factors, and increasing threat detection and response automation capabilities.
Blockchain
Blockchain will be used to support decentralized and tamper-proof storage of authentication data. This will allow security teams to ensure data integrity and reduce the risk of centralized attacks.
Quantum-Resistant MFA
Experts anticipate using quantum computing to evade traditional cybersecurity solutions, including multi-factor authentication. To maintain the integrity and efficacy of MFA solutions, quantum-resistant algorithms will be added to existing solutions.
Evolution of Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs
MFA typically involves the use of at least two distinct types of authentication factors, categorized as follows:
- Knowledge Factors: Something the user knows, such as a password, PIN, or answer to a security question.
- Possession Factors: Something the user has, such as a hardware token, smartphone (for receiving OTPs or push notifications), or a smart card.
- Inherence Factors: Something the user is, such as biometric identifiers like fingerprints, facial recognition, or retinal scans.
While MFA dramatically enhances security, its implementation can present several challenges, including:
- Usability: MFA can be seen as inconvenient by users who must manage additional authentication steps or devices.
- Cost: Deploying MFA can incur costs related to purchasing hardware tokens, licensing software, and maintaining the infrastructure.
- Integration: Ensuring compatibility with existing systems and applications can be complex.
- User Resistance: Users may resist adopting MFA due to habits or unfamiliarity, requiring training and awareness programs.
Selecting the right MFA solution depends on several factors, including:
- Security Needs: Assess the security requirements specific to your organization's industry, regulatory environment, and threat landscape.
- User Experience: Consider the ease of use and potential impact on user productivity. Balance security with convenience to ensure user adoption.
- Scalability: Ensure the solution can scale with your organization’s growth and support various devices and platforms.
- Integration: Verify that the MFA solution integrates smoothly with your IT infrastructure, including applications, networks, and cloud services.
- Cost: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including initial setup, licensing, and ongoing maintenance and support.
- Vendor Reputation: Choose a solution from a reputable vendor with a proven track record in delivering reliable and secure MFA solutions.
- 1961—Using passwords was pioneered at MIT with the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS).
- 1970s—Basic password authentication became standard.
- 1984—An early form of two-factor authentication (2FA), the RSA SecurID token, was released.
- 1986—Smart Cards were introduced for identification and access control, combining something the user has (i.e., the card) and something they know (i.e., a PIN).
- 1990s—Biometrics such as fingerprints and retinal scans began to be used, adding another layer of authentication (i.e., something you are).
- 1993—First use of one-time password (OTP) systems. Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) systems were developed later.
