A Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Secure Remote Access: How SendQuick Stays Ahead of the Curve

From individual logins to enterprise-level of user’s access, despite using and applying stronger passwords and additional security measures, incidents of unauthorised entry and phishing attacks have risen annually.

With remote work becoming the norm, businesses need a robust security solution. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a vital approach to safeguarding user access, sensitive data and information.

Below is the Comparison of MFA Methods and Security Levels, providing an overview of the different types of MFA and their effectiveness in protecting against evolving threats.

MFA Method Type Examples Devices Used Security Level
SMS Passcode SMS OTP via phone Phone (via SMS) Moderate
Email OTP Email-based OTP Email accounts Moderate
Push Authentication Push notification from SendQuick app Smartphone High
Software Token Google Authenticator, SendQuick app Smartphone, tablet High
Hardware Token YubiKey Security key, hardware token Very High
WebAuthn (Platform Authenticator) Touch ID, Face ID Laptop, smartphone (with biometrics) Very High
WebAuthn (Roaming Authenticator) YubiKey, Security key USB, NFC security keys Very High
Digital ID Integration SingPass (Singapore), Yoti Smartphone, laptop High to Very High

Comparison of MFA Methods and Security Levels

The MFA landscape has undergone substantial changes. Initially, simple SMS passcodes and email one-time passwords (OTPs) were standard. However, as attackers grew more adept, these methods proved insufficient. The development of MFA has unfolded through several distinct phases:

SMS Passcode: This method involves sending a passcode via SMS to the user’s phone. While it was effective initially, it has become vulnerable to phishing and SIM-swapping attacks, making it less secure today.

Email OTPs: One-time passwords sent via email provide a convenient way to verify identity. However, this method is susceptible to phishing attacks and lacks the security needed for high-risk scenarios.

Push Authentication: Push notifications provide a quicker and more secure method of authentication. Users receive a notification on their phone, allowing them to approve or deny the login attempt instantly.

Software Token: Uses an app, like Google Authenticator or the SendQuick app, to generate time-based codes. This method offers higher security compared to SMS or email OTPs.

Hardware Token: A standalone hardware device like a key fob or USB stick that generates one-time passcodes (OTPs). It provides strong security but can be less convenient due to the need for a physical token.

WebAuthn and Biometric Authentication: The newest standard, WebAuthn, employs public-key cryptography and device-based biometrics (e.g., Face ID, Touch ID). It is designed to resist phishing attempts and is widely compatible with hardware tokens like YubiKey.

Digital ID Integration: Leveraging government-verified or third-party digital identities such as SingPass (Singapore) and Yoti. These solutions offer a secure and verified identity for logging in without the need for traditional passwords.

Adaptive Authentication for Enhanced User Experience

Organisations frequently find it challenging to balance security and user convenience. This is where SendQuick’s adaptive MFA technology shines. It dynamically adjusts authentication requirements based on risk factors such as user behaviour, location, and device characteristics:

For low-risk situations, simpler methods like push notifications are utilised to reduce user friction.

For high-risk access, more stringent authentication methods like biometrics or hardware tokens are mandated.

This adaptive strategy delivers a smooth user experience while upholding high security standards, addressing the needs of both employees and customers.

Digital ID Integration: Leveraging SingPass and Yoti

SendQuick acknowledges the increasing significance of digital identities, such as SingPass in Singapore and Yoti worldwide. These digital ID solutions provide users with a secure, verified identity for logging in without the need for passwords. By integrating these digital IDs, SendQuick enhances its MFA capabilities, adding an extra layer of verification that meets government and enterprise standards.

Seamless Integration with SendQuick Secure Remote Access Solutions

One of the main challenges businesses encounter is incorporating MFA into their existing systems. SendQuick addresses this by providing seamless compatibility with a wide array of IT infrastructures, including:

  1. VPNs for secure network access.
  2. Cloud applications like Office 365 and Google Workspace.
  3. Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms for efficient user management.

This adaptability ensures that organisations can implement MFA for remote access swiftly and effectively, minimising disruption to their operations.

Why Choose SendQuick for Remote Access Security?

SendQuick distinguishes itself by delivering a comprehensive and versatile MFA solution that features:

Phishing-Resistant Authentication Platform: FIDO standards eliminate the risks associated with credential phishing.

Omnichannel Messaging: Unlike many platforms that rely on SMS, SendQuick offers a complete range of delivery options, including email, push notifications, chat applications (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram), and enterprise messaging platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).

Flexible and Scalable Solutions: SendQuick’s MFA easily integrates with existing systems and scales to accommodate the needs of organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Incorporating Multi-Factor Authentication for remote access is essential for protecting your organisation against evolving threats. With SendQuick, you get a powerful, user-friendly solution that enhances security without compromising convenience.

Ready to secure your remote access with SendQuick’s cutting-edge MFA? Contact us today for a demo and see how we can help protect your digital assets.

For further information, feel free to contact us