What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

As the name indicates, 2FA uses two factors to verify users who attempt to log in to applications or endpoints. One of the factors is usually a password. The other could be anything ranging from an OTP or biometrics to a hardware token. The aim of the second authentication factor is to get users to prove their identities using secure factors, like something that only they know (security questions, passwords, PINs), something that only they have (SMS or email OTPs, smart cards, software tokens), or something that only they are (biometrics or behavioral analysis).

Passwords can no longer be considered the only reliable factor for authentication. Consider the following statistics:

• Verizon states that 82% of data breaches involve human vulnerabilities, like social engineering, errors, and misuse.
• It also states that there has been a 13% increase in ransomware breaches of late, which is an alarmingly high rate compared to the last five years combined.
• According to password statistics put forth by dataprot, 51% of people use the same password for work and personal accounts. Moreover, 57% of people who have already been victims of phishing attacks still haven't changed their passwords.
• Many infamous cyberattacks on large-scale industries such as the Colonial Pipeline and Ireland’s Health Service Executive started with one exposed password.

If passwords were the only mode of authentication, all it would take is one user's weak or stolen password to infiltrate your IT environment. A second factor of authentication alongside a password drastically reduces the chances of a successful cyberattack and solidifies your organization's security posture.

Double the protection against brute-force and dictionary attacks with ADSelfService Plus

ADSelfService Plus offers advanced authentication techniques to enforce Active Directory 2FA for the following:

1. Machine logins (Windows, macOS, and Linux systems)
2. RDP and VPN logins
3. Enterprise application logins through SSO
4. OWA logins

How 2FA works with ADSelfService Plus

ADSelfService Plus's 2FA process works similarly for both application and endpoint logons. Each time a user requests access to a particular resource, they first have to verify their identity using a primary factor of authentication. This may usually, but not necessarily, be a password. Once the primary authentication is completed, the user is directed to perform the secondary authentication. ADSelfService Plus offers a range of advanced authentication factors that admins can configure for users as per your organization's preferences. After successfully completing the secondary authentication, users are granted access to the respective resource.

Below is an illustration of 2FA in ADSelfService Plus for a user trying to log on to their Windows machine.

Why choose ADSelfService Plus' 2FA?

ADSelfService Plus offers nearly 20 concrete authentication factors such as YubiKey, smart card, biometrics, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator that admins can enable in just a few clicks. It also offers the flexibility to enable different authentication factors for different sets of users to ensure security without compromising productivity.

Below are some of the authentication factors that ADSelfService Plus offers:

Learn more about ADSelfService Plus' 2FA authentication factors.

Benefits of implementing 2FA using ADSelfService Plus

• Secure multiple resources: Enforce 2FA to secure application, machine, VPN, RDP, and OWA logons with ADSelfService Plus.
• Safeguard access: With a 2FA solution, ensure that even if a hacker steals a user's password, the hacker would still not be able to gain access to resources.
• Comply with regulations: Comply with NIST SP 800-63B, NYCRR, FFIEC, the GDPR, and HIPAA compliance regulations, and easily procure cyber insurance.
• Enhance user experience: Ensure ease of use without sacrificing security by configuring different levels of authentication factors for users with different levels of privileges.