Multi-factor authentication (MFA) software secures user accounts by requiring identity verification through two or more factors before granting access to systems, applications, or sensitive information, including one-time passcodes, software or hardware tokens, mobile push notifications, biometrics, and contextual or risk-based factors.
Core Capabilities of MFA Software
To qualify for inclusion in the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) category, a product must:
- Utilize a secondary authentication method such as OTPs, mobile push, software token, hardware token, biometric factors, or similar
- Prompt authentication from a user
- Allow for triggered MFA for new users and devices
Common Use Cases for MFA Software
Businesses and individuals use MFA software to strengthen access security and prevent unauthorized entry to accounts and systems. Common use cases include:
- Protecting enterprise applications and privileged accounts from unauthorized access and internal data loss
- Securing employee logins across cloud and on-premise systems with layered authentication
- Enabling individuals to improve security on personal devices and online accounts
How MFA Software Differs from Other Tools
Risk-based authentication software is a form of MFA that factors in geolocation, IP address reputation, device posture, and time since last authentication to assess risk dynamically. Passwordless authentication software is another MFA variant that eliminates passwords entirely, relying on alternative factors only. MFA software can also be sold as part of compound identity solutions such as identity and access management (IAM) or customer identity and access management (CIAM) platforms.
Insights from G2 on MFA Software
Based on category trends on G2, ease of setup and broad authentication method support as top strengths. These platforms deliver reductions in account compromise incidents and improved compliance posture as primary outcomes of MFA adoption.
