Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

A short range wireless technology that allows two devices to exchange data when they’re very close together, usually within a few centimeters. In authentication, NFC is often used for security keys that verify your identity when tapped against a computer or reader. It’s fast, convenient, and secure because the close physical proximity makes it difficult for attackers to intercept or duplicate the signal.

Near Field Communication (NFC):

Imagine locking your front door and knowing that even if someone managed to steal your key, they still couldn’t get inside without your fingerprint. That’s the idea behind Multi-Factor Authentication. It adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password, something only you can provide, making it one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your accounts.

At its core, MFA works by requiring two or more “factors” to confirm your identity. The first factor is usually something you know, like your password or a personal security question. The second is something you have (like your phone or a security key) or something you are (like your fingerprint or face scan). Even if an attacker guesses or steals your password, they still can’t get in without that second piece.

Most people have already used MFA without realizing it. When you log into a website and it texts you a code, that’s a form of MFA. So is using an authenticator app, or receiving a push notification asking you to approve a login. Some systems even use biometrics, like fingerprint scanners or facial recognition, especially on smartphones. Each adds an extra step, but that step can be the difference between a close call and a compromised account.

There are several types of MFA, each with its own level of security. SMS codes (text messages) are the most common, but they’re also the least secure - attackers can sometimes intercept messages through SIM swapping or malware. Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy generate time-based codes that change every 30 seconds, making them much harder to steal. Push notifications are even easier: when you try to sign in, a prompt pops up on your phone asking, “Are you trying to sign in?” You just tap yes or no.

For high value targets or corporate accounts, physical security keys (like YubiKeys) are the gold standard. These small USB or NFC devices must be plugged in or tapped to verify a login. Because they never transmit your password and can’t be duplicated remotely, they protect against nearly every type of phishing or credential theft. Many large companies require these for system administrators or anyone accessing sensitive data.¹

So why does MFA matter so much? Because passwords alone are no longer enough. Massive data breaches have dumped billions of stolen passwords online. Attackers use automated tools to test these credentials on different sites, hoping that people reused them, and many of us do. But even if your password shows up in one of these leaks, MFA stops attackers cold. Without your phone, fingerprint, or security key, their stolen password is useless.

For individuals, enabling MFA is one of the easiest wins in cybersecurity. You don’t have to be tech savvy to set it up, most major websites and apps offer it under “Account Settings” or “Security.” Start with your email, banking, and social media accounts, anything that could be used to reset other passwords or steal your identity. That single change can block the vast majority of account takeover attempts.

In the corporate world, MFA has become a requirement, not an option. Businesses know that one compromised password can expose entire networks. Many organizations enforce MFA across all employee logins, from email to remote access tools. Some use adaptive MFA systems that assess risk (if an employee logs in from a new device or unusual location, it automatically asks for another verification step). It’s an added layer of vigilance that protects both the company and its customers.

Some people worry that MFA is inconvenient, and yes, it takes a few extra seconds to log in. But those seconds are a small price to pay for peace of mind. Once you get used to it, it becomes as automatic as buckling a seatbelt. You stop thinking about the extra step and start appreciating the safety it provides. The truth is, attackers go for the easiest targets. If your account has MFA and the next person’s doesn’t, they’ll move on. That’s what makes it such an effective defense. It doesn’t make you invincible, but it makes you inconvenient to hack, and that’s often enough.

So if you remember one thing about online security, let it be this: turn on MFA everywhere you can. It’s free, simple, and one of the most powerful shields you have against cybercrime.

¹ “More companies are shifting workers to passwordless authentication”, by Violino, B, November 2025