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Multi-factor authentication (MFA) was designed to stop credential-based attacks. But modern phishing techniques have corrupted it into another attack vector. If your cloud and SaaS security strategy starts and ends with MFA, your organization will be exposed to the actions of cybercriminals who understand how authentication truly works.
With the evolution of technology, MFA has become a potential vulnerability
MFA has been considered critical for securing access control for quite some time. A user signs into a SaaS application or cloud service with a username and password, then enters a one-time code (OTC) sent to their assigned device. Thus, a second verification layer.
This seems like a solid layer at first glance, but the process is not airtight.
If users are deceived enough to enter their username and password through a convincing phishing attempt, it’s reasonable to assume they would follow through and enter their OTC when prompted.
Well-designed phishing methods can replicate legitimate login portals with remarkable accuracy. Once a user correctly submits credentials at both steps, attackers can forward them to the actual service in real time while remaining in the middle of the session.
At that point, a token is created, allowing both the user and the attacker to remain authenticated without being prompted for MFA again.
When configured correctly, tokens can expire as soon as inactivity occurs on an account, but default settings are often left unchanged. Even if a token only remains valid for a matter of minutes, an attacker may have ample time to steal or corrupt sensitive company data.
Building a new Zero Trust pathway for end users
MFA verifies a login attempt, but not the device or the pathway. This leaves a situation on the table where security fails because of authentication, not despite it. The alternative is to apply Zero Trust principles to organizational resource access permissions, which will enable a shift in focus.
Does this device need access to this resource?
Instead of trusting any device that presents valid credentials and an OTC, organizations can require access to originate from approved, managed devices connected through a secure, intermediate server.
IT teams can designate trusted devices and enforce a deny-by-default policy. Only approved devices can connect to a secure network with accessible SaaS and cloud resources.
In this model, even if an attacker captures a password and OTC, they cannot access the account because they are not operating from a trusted and cataloged device within an approved environment.
Now is the time to redesign your MFA layer
MFA remains a vital layer of protection. When done right, it can, at the very least, delay the actions of cybercriminals. But the process still needs reassessment.
By extending security beyond initial authentication and applying device-level trust and network restrictions, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of successful phishing attacks.
Now is the time to reassess your approach to access security.
- Are your session tokens configured to expire upon inactivity?
- Can unmanaged devices access any of your SaaS or cloud applications?
- Is access granted solely based on successful MFA?
Strengthening authentication is just one piece of a resilient security strategy. Applying Zero Trust controls, including device-based access restrictions and deny-by-default policies, hardens environments against the ever-evolving threats of today.
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ThreatLocker is a global leader in Zero Trust endpoint security, offering cybersecurity controls to protect businesses from zero-day attacks and ransomware. ThreatLocker operates with a default-deny approach to reduce the attack surface and mitigate potential cyber vulnerabilities. Learn more at ThreatLocker.com.