MFA stands for Multifactor Authentication and is an access control system that supports two or more authentication methods to access your data.
In case of two steps we talk about TFA - meaning TwoFactor Authentication, which is commonly used.
Multi-factor authentication definition
The question that must surely arise is, what all can be used for an MFA? Generally speaking, there are three types of authentications.
- Something you know – This is the basic layer of authentication. It can be a secure password that you setup for access to your email account or simple pin code that is used to access your phone. In any case, this type of security alone can often lead to breaches, especially if weak passwords are used.
- Something you own – The additional layer of security is used in case there are heightened requirements for it. Another device is used in order to access your data. Nowadays, mobile phones are mainly used to serve such purpose, but there can be many others like USB disks, access cards, and many others
- Something you are – As the definition implies, this type of security is directly connected with you. It is something that is unique to you. Modern devices use many forms of advanced security, like finger print scanners, voice and facial recognition or a retinal scan.
One can very well picture these as interconnected boxes with various security means. Your everyday smartphone for example can be secured using either pin or password that is required after booting. Afterwards it can be unlocked by either facial or fingerprint recognition.
Similarly, different accounts in your device - email or otherwise - use various means of security steps you need to go through.
Benefits of multi-layer security
First of all, we can name the only downside of the technology and that is the cost for companies that want to use it. However, for most companies and individuals alike, having your accounts secured by additional means of protection usually outweighs the cost.
On the other hand, the benefits are many. The accounts are better secured while communicating with third party apps, and one can deploy stricker rules to only access user specific data and it is more likely these rules will be followed.
Using multi-factor security usually takes away the risk of using the same passwords over and over again, as the additional layers make it very hard to breach. Last but not least, deploying multi-layer security is usually mandatory for communication with Government agencies.
Advanced means of security with eM Client
How advanced is the security in eM Client? The software is specifically designed to always protect your privacy.
As a first line of defense, you can apply an application specific password that is required during the start. eM Client fully supports OAuth authorization such as Google OAuth, Microsoft OAuth, Yahoo OAuth, etc., so the passwords you input into the program are never stored locally for those accounts. Moreover, all your communication can be encrypted unless you choose otherwise.
Needless to say, different multi-factor authentication mothods, such as app-specific passwords, also work with eM Client. Further info on how eM Client protects your data can be found here.