Multifactor authentication (MFA) protects your accounts by requiring two or more forms of identification, such as a password and a code sent to your phone. Enabling MFA is a standard best practice for securing your online accounts, but it’s important to understand its limitations and potential risks.
How cybercriminals can bypass MFA
There are three main ways cybercriminals today are circumventing MFA security measures:
Phishing attacks
Phishing has long been a method used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information. They now use it to compromise MFA, especially when users are tricked into providing their authentication codes. Through deceptive emails or fake login pages, attackers can collect the codes needed to bypass MFA protections.
SIM swapping
SIM swapping is a type of fraud where cybercriminals take control of your phone number. Once they’ve gained access, they can receive text messages, including MFA codes, intended for you. This tactic allows them to bypass the second layer of security MFA provides and gain access to your account.
MFA fatigue
In some cases, attackers target users with excessive MFA requests to wear them down. By overwhelming the individual with repeated prompts, the user may eventually approve a fraudulent request simply out of frustration or exhaustion.
How to defend against MFA attacks
To protect user accounts and data, businesses should implement the following security measures:
Risk-based authentication
Risk-based authentication helps reduce vulnerabilities by adjusting security checks based on the level of risk for each login attempt. Instead of applying the same checks every time, the system evaluates factors such as the user’s location, device, and usual activity.
For example, if you normally log in from your laptop in New York, but a login attempt occurs from a new device in another country, the system will flag it as high risk. In such cases, it prompts additional verification through MFA to confirm your identity. By using risk-based authentication, you get stronger protection during risky situations without the need for constant, unnecessary checks, thereby preventing MFA fatigue.
Hardware-based MFA
Hardware-based MFA uses a physical device, such as a security key or USB stick, to verify your identity. Instead of relying on codes sent via SMS or email, you plug the device into your computer or tap it on your phone to approve a login. Since the device is physically in your possession, it’s much harder for attackers to steal or intercept the authentication code. Using this method makes MFA much more secure because a cybercriminal would need the actual hardware key to bypass the authentication process.
Access privilege reviews
Regularly reviewing and adjusting access privileges guarantees that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. Over time, employees or users might gain unnecessary permissions, which can become a security risk if an account is compromised. Regularly checking and adjusting who has access to what limits the potential damage if cybercriminals manage to compromise MFA and break into your accounts.
Strengthen password reset process
Password reset procedures can be a vulnerable point for attackers, especially when they don’t require multiple verification steps. To reduce this risk, make sure users must confirm their identity through more than one method during the reset process — whether it’s through email, text, or security questions. Without these additional checks, attackers can easily use tactics such as phishing or social engineering to reset passwords and bypass MFA protections.
Don’t rely on SMS for MFA
SMS-based MFAs are less secure because hackers can simply intercept text messages or use SIM swapping to get one-time passcodes. Instead, use authentication apps or hardware keys for MFA. These methods are more secure and harder to bypass, giving you better protection for your accounts.
Secure your accounts with comprehensive protection
Despite the weaknesses of MFA, it’s still one of the best ways to protect your accounts from unauthorized access. However, MFA should not be your only line of defense. It’s important to have a well-rounded cybersecurity framework that includes strong passwords, regular software updates, and employee training on phishing and other online threats.
If you don’t know where to start fortifying your user accounts, our experts are happy to help. We can provide the guidance and tools necessary to keep your data safe and secure. Contact us today for more information on our cybersecurity services.
