With computer security threats on the rise, simply using a password to protect our online accounts is no longer enough. Hacking attacks and stolen credentials have become commonplace, jeopardizing the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. It's against this backdrop that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions have emerged as an effective method of strengthening system and data security. This article is a continuation of our previous article : Multi-factor authentication: requirements for MFA solutions (part 1).
NO. 5. Support for open standards
The MFA solution must support modern open standards for authorization and authentication. For example, by adopting SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), users can access multiple web applications using a single set of login credentials. SAML can also be used to configure MFA between different devices. Opt for a solution that integrates SAML, offering an additional layer of authentication for authorized users.
Similarly, the OAuth 2.0 (Open Authorization) standard facilitates the authorization process, allowing users to move seamlessly between services while protecting their login credentials. However, OAuth 2.0 only concerns user authorization and does not cover authentication. As a result, password-only systems remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks. MFA adds one or more authentication factors to verify the user's identity before granting access, thus considerably reducing the risk of attack.
Does your MFA solution support the modern standards commonly used for secure connections to Web applications?
- SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)
- OpenID Connect
- OAuth 2.0
NO. 6. Support for developers
If your company wants to optimally harmonize existing applications with multi-factor authentication (MFA), it's essential that the proposed solution provides developers with the right tools. This includes Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs). By guaranteeing seamless, customized access to MFA functionalities, these resources will enable your company to seamlessly merge existing technologies with this advanced security measure.
Does the MFA solution provide developers with the tools they need to customize it and integrate it with custom applications and third-party systems?
- MFA registration and lifecycle management APIs
- SDKs for all major platforms and programming languages
- Command line to subscribe to MFA and process push notifications
- Client libraries to customize the appearance of the MFA pageClient libraries to customize the appearance of the MFA page
- Sandbox environment for secure MFA testing in a non-production environment
- Documentation, e.g. developer guides
NO. 7. User community support
The MFA solution must offer a simple, intuitive user experience for all authorized users, minimizing obstacles to their day-to-day work. This applies both to internal users such as employees (both in the office and telecommuting), and to external users such as third-party service providers, freelancers, suppliers and others.
It's essential that the solution works reliably, even when users face limitations such as disabilities, lack of smart devices or network connectivity issues. Users must be able to register easily with the system and choose the authentication options that suit them best. In addition, integrating new users must be easy, with minimal resistance.
In short, the MFA solution must guarantee a smooth, accessible experience for all users, taking into account their individual needs and making it easy to adopt and adapt to the enhanced security it offers.
Does the MFA solution support all authorized users accessing your systems and data?
- Workforce
- IT administrators
- Third-party service providers
- Partner customers
And are all the devices these users are likely to use supported?
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Mobile devices
- On-site and remote devices
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
NO. 8. Report creation
When choosing an MFA solution, it's essential to choose one with robust reporting and analysis capabilities. These reports will play an essential role in monitoring your security levels, enabling you to identify any shortcomings and take steps to correct them. They are also of vital importance during audits, and in proving your compliance with the required standards.
By opting for an MFA solution with advanced reporting and analysis capabilities, you can gain a clear picture of your current security posture. These reports will provide you with valuable information for making informed decisions and implementing appropriate security measures. What's more, they will enable you to document your regulatory compliance and provide tangible evidence of your security efforts.
So it's crucial to look for an MFA solution with robust reporting and analysis capabilities, to reinforce your security posture, comply with regulatory requirements and maintain a protected working environment.
Does the MFA solution provide reports that enable you to improve your security based on detected threat data and meet compliance requirements?
- Possibility of outsourcing authorization events to third-party SIEM solutions
- Easy access from the administration console
- Easy programming, generation and export
- Customized, ready-to-use reports
- Detailed authentication logs and audit trails
- Ability to make system changes based on authorization events
- Real-time information on malicious/failed connection attempts, security events, insecure or compromised devices, etc.
NO. 9. Advanced requirements
To ensure the selection of the best MFA solution, it is crucial that it meets all the fundamental requirements outlined above. Although many solutions can offer these features, it's best to compare them on the basis of the advanced requirements criteria mentioned below. By evaluating each solution according to these criteria, you'll be able to choose the one that best meets your specific needs and delivers the optimum MFA solution for your business.
Behavior analysis
Does the MFA solution use behavioral analysis to adapt intelligently, and does it require different authentication factors?
- Familiarity signals
- Attack signals
- Anomalies (user behavior and context signals)
- Continuous authentication
Trusted devices
Does the solution take into account the authentication device used?
- Device status, including version, tampering, locking, encryption, browser plug-in, etc.
- Machine reputation
- X.509 certificates
- Integration with the Mobile Device Management (MDM) system
General points to consider:
HTBS helps you secure your IS infrastructure, with our Silverfort Solution Extend MFA protection to all your AD-based resources without modifying them, including legacy applications, file shares, command-line interfaces and OT systems.
When selecting a solution, make sure it can evolve to meet your future needs, and that it is highly available. When comparing prices, don't be swayed by a low initial configuration or integration cost. It's best to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes custom integrations, administration controls, use cases, support costs and so on. Look for a solution that helps you minimize administration or overhead costs, and that offers a clearly defined pricing model.
Source : onelogin
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