What is MFA?

MFA stands for Multi-Factor Authentication and allows you to use two or more security methods to access apps and devices.  You may have also heard the term 2FA, which is Two-Factor Authentication and usually has you enter in a time limited code that exists in an Authy App.  MFA requires at least one more level of security.

You are probably using a number of apps that utilise MFA already.  Bank Apps on your phone for example may ask you for a pin number, followed by an sms to your phone containing a code to enter, and geolocation to ensure you aren't in a vastly different location from where you usually are. 

Types of authentication usually fall into one of three categories :

• Knowledge: Something you know, such as passwords and pin numbers
• Inheritance: Something you are, such as fingerprints and facial recognition
• Possession: Something you have, such as the phone type you are using 

Each App or secure website you use may have different requirements to accessing their system and may or may not use MFA or 2FA, so we would suggest that whatever system you use, check if they have MFA or 2FA, and enable it as per their documentation.  If the app does not use MFA or 2FA, then the next best option is to change your password to

For example, to set up MFA for Office 365, please follow these instructions.