Authentication using two or more authentication factors. In other words, two
or more pieces of evidence – your credentials – are required when logging
into an account.
These credentials (or factors) fall into three categories:
Something you know, like a password or
PIN
Something you have, like a token or an authenticator app on your mobile
phone
Something you are, as represented by a fingerprint or face scan
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a form of multi-factor authentication. These terms are often used
synonymously.
To be considered MFA, each
authentication factor must be from a different category.
Why use multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is proven to help you, your office network and
the enterprise stay safer.
Multi-factor authentication is just as helpful in your non-work life.
Service providers, includes banking institutions and the Canada Revenue
Agency, encourage you to set up
MFA.
While it is not possible to stop all cybercrime,
MFA does significantly
reduce your chances of being a victim. Your information is safer because
hackers would need all your authentication factors in order to log in as
you. As some services offer a reset ability to regain access even to
MFA-protected accounts,
continue to exercise caution regarding unusual activity, unexpected changes
to your account or the associated credentials, or access attempts.
