Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Enable Multifactor Authentication

Contributed by: Vishakha Sadhwani

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Even with strong, rotating credentials, relying on a single factor of authentication (like a password) can still be a vulnerability. It’s crucial to enable multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA requires users to provide multiple pieces of evidence to prove their identity, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they manage to compromise a password. In the vast landscape of cloud security, MFA is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your defenses against unauthorized access.

Let’s explore how MFA works and discover the different types available to help you choose the right solution for your cloud environment.

The Core Idea

MFA is like adding an extra layer of security to your cloud accounts. It requires users to provide multiple pieces of evidence to prove their identity, not just a password. It’s like having a second lock on your front door – even if someone picks the first lock, they still can’t get in without the second key.

How It Works

MFA typically requires that you have two or more of the following:

• Something you know: This is usually your password or PIN. It’s the most common form of authentication, but it’s also the most vulnerable to being guessed or stolen.

• Something you have: This could be a code sent to your phone (via SMS or an authenticator app), a hardware security key (like a YubiKey), ...