Why Should I Use Multi-Factor Authentication?
The easy accessibility that the internet has brought into our lives is accompanied by many security risks that must be monitored. Personal information that falls into the hands of untrusted people through simple mistakes can turn into threats that negatively affect our lives.
Current Cyber Security Threats
📊 Critical Statistics
- 81% of data breaches involve weak, default, or stolen passwords
- Over 300,000+ new malware variants emerge every day
- The average cost of a data breach is $4.35 million
- 99.9% of password attacks can be prevented with MFA
🎣 Common Attack Methods
Phishing
Deceiving users to steal their password and username information.
Example Scenario:
An employee receives an email claiming to be from the IT department. The email states, "Your account has been suspended, please update your password." The employee clicks the fake link and enters their password. The attacker now has access to the account.
Protection with MFA:
Even if the attacker obtains the password, they cannot enter the system without the second factor sent to the user's phone.
Brute Force Attacks
Attempting millions of password combinations using automated tools.
Protection with MFA:
Even if the password is correct, access cannot be gained without the second factor.
Credential Stuffing
Trying passwords stolen from one site on other sites.
Protection with MFA:
Requires a different second factor for each system.
Limitations of Password Security
❌ Password Alone is Not Enough
User Errors:
- Use of simple passwords (123456, password, etc.)
- Using the same password in multiple places
- Writing down or sharing passwords
- Rarely changing passwords
Technical Vulnerabilities:
- Database leaks
- Keyloggers and spyware
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
- Session hijacking
✅ Extra Security Layer with MFA
MFA adds other factors alongside "something you know" (password):
| Factor Type | Examples | Security Level |
|---|---|---|
| Something You Know | Password, PIN | ⭐⭐ |
| Something You Have | Phone, Token | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Something You Are | Fingerprint, Face | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Compliance Requirements
Many regulations and standards mandate the use of MFA:
🏛️ Legal Regulations
- KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law - Türkiye)
- PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
- ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System)
- SOC 2 (Service Organization Control)
- HIPAA (Healthcare sector - USA)
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation - EU)
📋 Sectoral Requirements
Banking and Finance:
- MFA is mandatory for all online transactions
- Multi-factor authentication for privileged access
Healthcare:
- MFA for access to patient data
- Required for HIPAA compliance
E-commerce:
- PCI-DSS compliance
- Payment process security
Public Sector:
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Cyber security directives
How Does MFA Work?
🎯 Real-World Example
Scenario: VPN Access
- The employee wants to connect to the VPN
- They enter their username and Active Directory password
- SecTrail MFA intervenes:
- A push notification is sent to the employee's phone
- OR a 6-digit code is sent via SMS
- The employee approves/enters the code
- VPN access is granted
Protection:
Even if the password is stolen, the attacker cannot access the VPN because they do not have access to the employee's phone.
Protect Yourself with SecTrail MFA
🛡️ Comprehensive Protection
SecTrail MFA provides multi-layered security:
Authentication Methods
SecTrail MFA offers more than 10 authentication methods, providing solutions for every use case. Verification can be performed with an unlimited number of multiple factors:
| Method | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| LDAP/Active Directory | Corporate directory verification | First factor, corporate users |
| SMS OTP | One-time password via SMS | Universal, users with phone access |
| Email OTP | Verification code via email | Alternative second factor |
| Push Notification | Instant approval via mobile app | User-friendly, quick approval |
| TOTP (Soft OTP) | Time-based token (SecTrail Authenticator) | Standard, offline use |
| Local User | Local database | Non-LDAP environments |
| Admin Approved (Approved OTP) | Hierarchical approval system | Critical access, administrator control |
| QR Login | Passwordless login with QR code | Fast, passwordless user verification |
| Mail Auth | Click approval via email | Simple, link-based email verification |
| LDAP + OTP | Combination of LDAP password and OTP | Dual factor security, in a single step |
| WebAuthn | Hardware key with FIDO2 standard | High security, modern hardware token |
Flexible Policies
- Time-based (business hours)
- Location-based (Türkiye only)
- User/group-based
Wide Integration
- VPN (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco)
- Firewall
- Web Apps (SAML)
- RDP, SSH
📱 User Friendly
- Mobile Application: iOS and Android
- Push Notifications: One-tap approval
- Offline TOTP: Works without internet
- Self-Service: Users register themselves
You understand the importance of MFA. Now, explore the features of SecTrail MFA:
➡️ Key Features
Or get started right away:
Remember: Security is not an option, it is a necessity. Stay one step ahead with MFA!