Become mobile and flexible with Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is readily available, so why are we still using username/password? This is a question asked far too often given the advanced functionality available to most organizations. “You are one breach away from having your entire online life turned upside down,” states Lars Bågnert of Nexus. “Unfortunately, most organizations are reactive when it comes to security measures rather than proactive even though all it takes is one breach to cause a storm of chaos.”

2-Factor-Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication add an additional level of security for your IT environment. This is something we’ve all heard about and have known for several years. 2FA and MFA help to avoid security breaches and identity thefts. Still, it's no secret that most users are still using username and password as their authentication mechanism of choice. And if you are similar to Lars, you constantly ask yourself, “How can this be?!”. While there is no clear-cut answer to this question, let’s dive a bit deeper.

Usability is key.

Historically, a 2FA function was based on a smartcard or an OTP token. The user-friendliness in these solutions could be questioned and users were forced to have additional equipment with them. Many of today’s 2FA functions have moved to smartphones where usability and user-friendliness are not an issue. And, of course, since everyone has a smartphone, users already have everything they need with them.

When looking at an application platform, username and password have its benefits such as being technology agnostic and a password is easy to reset if or when there is a problem. At the same time, most of today’s application platforms are providing support for 2FA such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, certificate-based authentication and T-OTP, to list a few examples. Support for security functions into application platforms is also commonly available.

However, users today require more secure options that are user-friendly and are actively choosing service providers that offer a great and secure user experience.

So, if users want to have higher security levels and more user-friendly functionality, and if the technology is already available to meet these demands, what is stopping people from using it?

“Finding the right 2FA/MFA solution for your IT environment and employees can offer great benefits. Choose a solution that is flexible, easy to use and secure,” concludes Lars.

Smart ID Digital ID

Nexus Digital ID platform will provide your users with digital identities on smartcards, mobile phones and laptops. Smart ID takes advantage of ready-to-use workflows, automation and self-service functions enabling strong authentication in a flexible and secure way.

Smart ID Digital ID management has the following key features:

- Lifecycle management of smart cards and virtual smart cards

- Mobile app for great user experience using virtual smart cards

- Best-practice processes for standard use cases

- Self-service and automated workflows

- Synchronization of data with a directory service

- Integration of certificate authorities (CA) from multiple vendors

Published

Learn More
Smart ID for the workforce enables organizations to utilize a zero trust strategy with trusted identities. Trusted identities allow processes to be streamlined, simplified and enables automation and self-service in a user-friendly manner. All while strengthening IT security for your organization. 

learn more