Three Tips to Avoid MFA Fatigue

We’ve all been there. You’re trying to access your online banking, only to be greeted with a barrage of security questions, text messages, and app prompts. 

It’s a common experience in the digital age, where multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become the gold standard for protecting our data. But while MFA undeniably enhances security, it’s also leading to a growing phenomenon: MFA fatigue. 

This post explores the challenges of MFA fatigue, its impact on user experience, and potential solutions to strike a balance between security and usability.

What Is MFA Fatigue?

MFA Fatigue refers to the increasing frustration and annoyance users experience when constantly needing to authenticate themselves with multi-factor authentication (MFA). 

This fatigue arises from the repetitive nature of MFA processes, which can be perceived as cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly when users need to complete them frequently. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of MFA fatigue:

• Frequency: Repeatedly entering multiple authentication factors, especially for routine tasks, can lead to user burnout.
• Complexity: Using different MFA methods for various accounts, each with its own unique setup, can be overwhelming and confusing.
• Context: The need for MFA in situations where it seems unnecessary, like accessing personal emails or low-risk websites, can be frustrating.
• Security vs. Convenience: Users may prioritize ease of use over security, potentially bypassing MFA measures or resorting to less secure practices.

The Dangerous Consequences of MFA Fatigue

Here are the consequences of MFA fatigue attacks:

• Increased security risks: Users may be tempted to bypass MFA or use weak authentication methods to avoid the hassle.
• Decreased productivity: Frequent authentication requests can disrupt workflows and reduce efficiency.
• User dissatisfaction: Frustration with MFA can lead to negative perceptions of the service or application.

All of these could lead to insecure practices, stolen credentials, or even data breaches.

The 3 Tips to Avoid MFA Fatigue

Here are the three tips to avoid MFA fatigue:

#1: Security Awareness Training

The first thing to do is make sure people are aware of the potential threats out there, and that unusual behavior is a big red flag. The minute they experience something odd it should be reported immediately, and in the case of repeated MFA requests they definitely shouldn’t authorize the login attempt.

Also make sure that you don’t have any systems in place where support staff would need to login to a service or app using an employee’s:

• Username
• Password
• MFA authorization

You’ll also have to train employees to know that they should never give out their login details to anyone, no matter how legitimate they seem, and that includes authenticating with MFA.

#2: Adapt Security Policies 

If your company doesn’t limit how many times a user can login in a short period of time then it’s a good idea to set such a policy. This is crucial so that repeated attempts at login will set off alarm bells and shut down any potential hacks.

Leverage MFA Apps

For people with access to mission critical company data see if you can upgrade their MFA requirements. Instead of a frictionless Yes/No option, see if your IDPs smartphone app offers something stronger. 

Okta Verify, for example, can add a number challenge to MFA. 

In this scenario, the device logging in displays a number, and then the user has to select that same number that appears in the push notification on their phone. That way the user would have to see both pieces of information to get it right.

Utilize Keys, Biometrics, or TOTP

Another alternative, would be to disallow these apps entirely, and instead require:

• Security key
• Biometric ID
• An app that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)

Admittedly, these methods are not as frictionless as a push notification and they come with their own problems, but it’s an option. 

One thing you definitely want to avoid is SMS-based MFA as it’s well known to be insecure.

#3: Adopt a Zero Trust Strategy with Check Point

Finally, perhaps the most powerful action you take is to adopt a zero trust strategy. 

Taking this posture assumes the threat actors are already trying to get into your network, or have harvested user credentials in their possession. The motto of Zero Trust is “never trust, always verify.” With Zero Trust you set context-based policies that will refuse access to files or apps if certain conditions aren’t met regardless of how legitimate their login credentials are. 

The context-based conditions can be geographical such as no logins outside of the U.S. or only in specific countries. The restrictions can also be device focused, as well as time-based. 

The context rules can also be set so that any login conditions must be sustained during the entire user session. If they aren’t then access is revoked. Zero Trust is a must-have security layer to face threats, and the best part is it all happens in the background without putting any extra burden on the user. 

Check Point’s Zero Trust solution can help your company achieve these aims, and we already integrate with the major IDPs. Book your demo today to see the power of Zero Trust in action.