What are the best practices for implementing multi factor authentication in a remote work environment?

MFA is a well-known security measure, but it is not foolproof. Session takeover attacks and compromise can still occur, leaving users vulnerable to malicious actors. Usingthe FIDO2 standard for strong authentication which utilizes public-key cryptography and allows authentication without requiring a password. With FIDO2, users can use a security key like a USB device, offering greater protection against session takeover. In this way, FIDO2 enhances MFA by providing an extra layer of security with three authentication factors – something you know, something you have, and something you are.

When implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), select the appropriate method based on your business requirements and user preferences. Consider factors like security level, convenience, and cost when choosing from options like SMS, email, phone call, app, token, or biometric methods. Each method offers different advantages and disadvantages, so assess your needs to determine the best fit for your organization.

Avalie, antes de mais nada, seu público alvo e, na medida do possível, defina níveis granulares de segurança com base no que o seu público faz. Não aposte todas as suas fichas em um único método, mesmo que você possa e tenha dinheiro para isto. É uma tolice e uma perda de tempo e dinheiro. Saiba onde seu público está, o que faz, como faz e que recursos tem disponível para fazer seu trabalho. Tudo isto é o que de fato vai lhe ajudar a definir sua estratégia e deixar métodos mais baratos com quem pode não representar tanto risco e métodos mais caros para aqueles que, se tiverem a identidade comprometida, podem custar milhões aos cofres da empresa. Ao final mas não menos importante: monitore tudo!

Prioritize high-risk accounts and sensitive data access with stronger MFA like hardware tokens or biometrics. Offer less intrusive options like authenticator apps for regular user access. Aim for a good balance between security strength and user experience. Cater to different user preferences and technology access. Consider cost and scalability.

Phishing resistance is key but you also HAVE to balance and consider the user experience you’re creating. Talk to people, go through it yourself, see what their pain points are, etc. If you create a bad user experience then you’re inviting your users to find a way to circumvent your security and this job is already hard enough.

Focus on the positive: Emphasize the benefits of added security for user data and company information. Frame it as an investment in protecting their own information. Explain different methods: Clearly explain how each MFA method works, emphasizing ease of use and security strengths. Provide step-by-step instructions: Offer detailed guides on enrolling, using, and troubleshooting each MFA method for different devices and platforms. Address common concerns: Prepare answers to frequently asked questions about security, privacy, lost devices, and potential inconveniences. Offer ongoing support: Establish a dedicated support channel for users to ask questions and report issues. Regularly update training materials and FAQs based on feedback.

To overcome user resistance and confusion when implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), educate your users on its benefits, importance, and proper use. Provide clear communication, training, and support to help users understand and use MFA securely. Encourage feedback and suggestions to improve their experience and increase awareness and acceptance of MFA among users.

Uma estratégia que se demonstra muito assertiva em relação à educação dos usuários é a demonstração do impacto que a falta do MFA pode causar em suas vidas privadas. Quanto mais o usuário entender o quanto sua vida privada pode ser prejudicada por não usar MFA nos seus apps preferidos, mas ele estará consciente que é algo para seu benefício e mais fácil será a adoção destes métodos dentro da organização. Casos reais de perdas de identidades e fraudes ajudam muito a sensibilizar o usuário.

Uma boa alternativa é mostrar aos usuários que eles podem e devem utilizar o MFA também para o seu uso pessoal, incentivando a utilização e a familiaridade com este importante recurso de segurança da informação.

All of this is spot on. At the same time, security teams need to educate themselves. Educate themselves on the flows the users go through, their preferences, their struggles, and their concerns. All of this should serve as a powerful feedback loop to making the capabilities you build and offer, better.

Before Deployment: Pilot testing - Simulations Load testing Post-Deployment: - Monitoring - Alerts - Reporting User feedback Network connectivity: Test MFA functionality under different network conditions (e.g., varying bandwidth, public Wi-Fi) to ensure smooth operation for remote workers. Device compatibility: Verify that the chosen MFA methods are compatible with different devices and operating systems used by your remote workforce. Backup and recovery: Establish clear procedures for users who lose their MFA devices or experience technical issues while accessing work applications remotely.

Before implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your remote workforce, thoroughly test and monitor the system to verify its functionality and reliability. Prepare for potential issues like user errors or system failures and have a contingency plan in place. Regularly review and update your MFA system to address evolving security threats and user requirements, ensuring ongoing effectiveness and protection for your organization.

MFA não é uma alternativa que possa eliminar 100% dos problemas de segurança, pelo contrário, em cenários mais severos, já demonstrou suas fragilidades. Adicionar em seu plano de continuidade de negócios testes regulares dos seus métodos e ferramentas de segurança é elementar e o MFA não deve ficar de fora desta abordagem.

Be aware that MFA can be circumvented, so monitor for users accessing your systems using other criteria, such as the locations they regularly log in from, monitoring where there is some deviation from the normal behaviour of that user. Also, be aware of Adversary in the Middle (AitM) attacks where the attacker will be passing along the requests and responses for logins in order to circumvent MFA. To protect from AitM: - Always deploy and maintain MFA when possible - Enable conditional access and Azure AD security defaults - Deploy security solutions on the network - Educate users about computer security and cybercrime

Before implementing MFA for your remote workforce, it's crucial to thoroughly test and monitor the MFA system to ensure its functionality and reliability. Anticipate and prepare for potential issues such as user errors, device loss, network outages, or system failures by having a backup plan and recovery process in place. Regularly review and update your MFA system to address changing security threats and user needs. This proactive approach will help ensure a smooth and secure rollout of MFA for your remote workforce.

Nada pior para uma organização do que um usuário insatisfeito e esta insatisfação pode surgir de várias formas. O maior problema é onde ele irá descontar suas frustrações e isto é um risco. Adicionar camadas de segurança nas operações da empresa é uma necessidade, mas deve ser muito bem ponderada, comunicada, treinada. Um usuário insatisfeito ao se deparar com mais um controle que lhe é imposto é prato cheio para buscar formas de burlar este cenário pois ele quer e precisa de uma vida mais fácil dentro da empresa para pdoer entregar seu trabalho. Desconsiderar isto é um erro grave.

MFA for Everyone: - Universal MFA for all user accounts - Variety of authentication methods - User choice based on security needs and convenience Usability Matters: - Clear Communication - Simple Enrollment - Alternatives Considered

To optimize the effectiveness of your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system, strike a balance between security and usability. Tailor your MFA policies based on factors like authentication frequency, duration, and context to align with your organization's risk profile. Consider implementing MFA for high-risk transactions while offering flexibility for users to choose their preferred authentication method or adjust settings as needed. By finding the right balance, you can enhance security without compromising usability and productivity within your organization.

I'm working on my dissertation on this very topic. Before implementing MFA, are you talking to end-users to ensure the project is human-centered? End-users only want to log in and start their day. So, designing MFA with authentication speed, authentication accuracy, and technology agility will help ensure that the end-user will be a proponent of the technology rather than an opponent of the technology.

As a security professional we should be very careful of "imposing" rules that people might want to circumvent. Let the users know the incoming changes and the importance of it. Also balance the need of MFA with usability. Is it needed every time? Only when logging in in new devices? Perhaps ever 30 days? Depending on the environment some flexibility might be applied.

For Security and Standards, choose an MFA solution that complies with industry standards like RADIUS and OATH. Regularly assess and update your MFA settings to stay ahead of threats. For Compliance, identify relevant regulations and ensure your MFA solution meets the requirements outlined in them.

For MFA in remote work, adhere to relevant regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, or HIPAA, and follow NIST or ISO guidelines. This ensures your MFA aligns with industry standards, enhancing security compliance.

People are often confused that that the "multi" in MFA actually comes from three distinct factor categories. Many of these frameworks require 2 or more factors. Some people thing that a PIN and a Password qualifies as multi-factor. Unfortunately both of these come from the same category, "Something you know". The categories are: - Something you know (PIN or Password) - Something you are (Facial recognition or a fingerprint) - Something you have (Smartphone authenticator or token generator) If a person uses at least two factors it dramatically increases the security and equally decreases the likelihood of authentication being fooled or compromised.

Be careful here. It’s easy to take non-prescriptive compliance language and take it to an extreme. I’ve had conversations with people about implementing MFA on laptops or mobile devices because they read “MFA everywhere.” Consider the spirit of the controls.

Atualmente em modelos de negócio B2B (business to business) ou mesmo em parcerias entre empresas onde ocorre troca de informações, estão sendo impostas cláusulas contratuais que exigem vários requisitos de segurança da informação, dentre eles o MFA.