What are the best practices for implementing MFA across different devices and platforms?

1 Choose the right factors

One of the first steps to implementing MFA is to choose the right factors for your users and your security needs. You should consider the level of risk, the user experience, and the availability of the factors. For example, if you have a high-risk scenario, such as accessing sensitive data or performing critical transactions, you may want to use stronger factors, such as biometric scans or hardware tokens. However, if you have a low-risk scenario, such as logging into a web portal or checking email, you may opt for simpler factors, such as SMS codes or push notifications. You should also consider the user experience and the availability of the factors. For example, if your users have different devices or platforms, you may want to use factors that are compatible and convenient for them, such as mobile apps or email codes.

2 Use adaptive MFA

Another best practice for implementing MFA is to use adaptive MFA, which is a type of MFA that adjusts the level of authentication based on the context and behavior of the user. Adaptive MFA can help you balance security and usability, as well as reduce the friction and frustration of MFA for your users. For example, you can use adaptive MFA to skip or reduce the number of factors for trusted users, devices, locations, or networks, or to increase the number of factors for suspicious users, devices, locations, or networks. You can also use adaptive MFA to trigger additional factors based on certain events or actions, such as changing a password, requesting a password reset, or transferring money.

3 Educate your users

A third best practice for implementing MFA is to educate your users about the benefits and the expectations of MFA. You should explain to your users why MFA is important for their security and privacy, and how it can protect them from cyberattacks, such as phishing, credential stuffing, or account takeover. You should also inform your users about the types and the frequency of the factors they will encounter, and how they can enroll, manage, and troubleshoot their MFA settings. You should also provide your users with clear and consistent instructions, feedback, and support for using MFA across different devices and platforms.

4 Monitor and measure your MFA

A fourth best practice for implementing MFA is to monitor and measure your MFA performance and effectiveness. You should collect and analyze data on your MFA usage, such as the number of users, devices, platforms, factors, enrollments, authentications, failures, errors, and frauds. You should also gather and evaluate feedback from your users, such as their satisfaction, preferences, complaints, and suggestions. You should use these data and feedback to identify and address any issues or gaps in your MFA implementation, as well as to improve and optimize your MFA strategy and policies.

5 Update and review your MFA

A fifth best practice for implementing MFA is to update and review your MFA regularly. You should keep up with the latest trends and technologies in MFA, such as new factors, methods, standards, or regulations. You should also test and verify your MFA functionality and compatibility across different devices and platforms. You should also review your MFA goals and objectives, and adjust your MFA settings and rules accordingly. You should also communicate any changes or updates to your users, and ensure that they are aware and prepared for them.

6 Secure your MFA

A sixth best practice for implementing MFA is to secure your MFA itself. You should protect your MFA infrastructure and data from unauthorized access, modification, or compromise. You should also ensure that your MFA factors are secure and reliable, and that they are not vulnerable to spoofing, interception, or bypassing. You should also implement backup and recovery plans for your MFA in case of any disruptions or emergencies. You should also audit and report your MFA activities and incidents, and comply with any relevant laws or regulations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?