What is MFA authentication and why it's crucial for file transfer security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is your file transfer systems' first line of defense. With phishing attacks and compromised credentials being two of the most common threats any system faces, MFA has become the recommended standard for file transfer accounts because it mitigates the risk that compromising any authentication method will grant system access.

MFA typically works by requiring at least two of the following:

• Something you know: A password or PIN, for example.
• Something you have: A physical device, like an RSA key, text-capable Android or iOS smartphone with an authenticator app.
• Something you are: Biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition.

By using a combination of security keys within an authentication system, administrators make it difficult for bad actors to breach an identity and access a system entirely. 

How to implement MFA in file transfer systems

To get MFA up and running in your file transfer environment, you need to configure your identity and access management (IAM) system to support multiple forms of authentication. Here’s how:

1. Establish your MFA flow: Your organization’s security policies and requirements will dictate where and how many factors you will need for specific systems. For example, you may choose to require only two authentication factors for customer-facing transfers but require a third factor for access to financial information.
2. Provide users with your chosen authenticator apps or hardware tokens: A wide variety of tools exist in this space, from SMS-based systems to authenticator apps to additional physical devices like USB or RSA authenticators. These tools generate unique codes for users, adding an extra layer of security, but they will need to be distributed and kept safe by your users.
   
   
3. Use biometric scanning: If you are considering biometric logins like fingerprint or facial recognition, you must choose your provider and set up a scanning input process for your users.
4. Create strong password policies: Ensure your policies are robust and complement MFA by requiring complex passwords.

With solutions like JSCAPE by Redwood’s MFT Server, implementing two-factor authentication using MFA terms and functionality is easy. You can quickly set up authentication methods like phone-based or time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) in just a few clicks. Plus, our MFA features fit seamlessly into the functionality of JSCAPE API, ensuring tight security without added complexity.

Why does MFA matter for file transfers?

Your file transfer system is the gateway to some of your organization’s most sensitive data. Because of this, it’s a key target for hackers, mainly through phishing attacks designed to steal user credentials. 

IT professionals rely on MFA for access management. An effective MFA program helps to protect sensitive data while maintaining trust in your organization.

Best practices for using MFA in file transfers

To get the most out of your authentication system and keep your file transfers secure, consider these best practices:

• Balance authentication methods against your risk: Select a combination of factors that balance robust security and user convenience. For instance, pairing passwords with an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator or facial recognition can enhance security while keeping multi-factor authentication work user-friendly.

• Integrate MFA seamlessly into your access management: Make sure your MFA program works smoothly with your existing systems. Look for solutions that can integrate with both on-premises setups and cloud-based online accounts to ensure comprehensive coverage. Remember that while biometrics are a great option, they may not provide everyone with the most practical authentication system. You may also choose to implement SSO to reduce the number of required logins for your users.

• Integrate smoothly: Check your user and process access to ensure your MFA setup works seamlessly with your existing file transfer systems to maintain a positive user experience.
• Stay up to date: Regularly review and refresh user credentials, keeping strong password policies in place and requiring regular changes at shorter intervals. Doing so will help ward off phishing attacks and reduce the risk of emerging threats.
• Plan for the future: Consider new technologies like AI-driven MFA or adaptive MFA that can adjust security levels based on user behavior.

What’s next for MFA in file transfers?

IT leaders see innovations like AI-driven security, adaptive authentication and even passwordless methods becoming more mainstream.

Staying on top of these trends and regularly updating your authentication system means you’ll be better prepared to keep your file transfer systems secure against emerging digital threats.

Now that we’ve answered the question “What is multi-factor authentication?,” learn how to secure your IT environment proactively.

Book a demo to connect with a product specialist about JSCAPE features to uncover additional ways to protect your data.