MFA combines something you know (password), something you have (hardware key, authenticator app), or something you are (biometrics).
Why it matters
- Stops most credential-stuffing, phishing, and brute-force attacks.
- Required for many compliance frameworks, including PCI DSS and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Implementation guidance
- Prefer phishing-resistant methods like FIDO2 keys or WebAuthn.
- Offer backup factors so productivity is not blocked.
- Enforce MFA on privileged accounts first, then expand company-wide.
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View all termsAuthentication vs Authorization
Authentication verifies who you are, while authorization determines what you can do.
Read more →FIDO2
An open authentication standard that enables passwordless and phishing-resistant login using hardware security keys or platform authenticators.
Read more →Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The policies and technologies used to verify identities, govern permissions, and log access across systems.
Read more →Kerberos
A network authentication protocol that uses secret-key cryptography and trusted third parties to verify user and service identities without transmitting passwords.
Read more →LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
An open, vendor-neutral protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory services over a network.
Read more →OAuth (Open Authorization)
An open standard for delegated access authorization that allows applications to access user resources without exposing credentials.
Read more →