Cyber With Debra!

Passwords have been around for a long time, but they are no longer enough to keep accounts safe. They can be guessed, shared, reused, or stolen without anyone noticing. That is why many apps and systems now use Multi Factor Authentication, or MFA. It adds another step to confirm identity before access is granted.

In this week’s comic, Sandy asks Debra why some logins require more than a password. Debra explains that MFA uses more than one way to verify who is signing in. A password is something you know, but MFA adds something you have, such as a code, or something you are, such as a fingerprint. Even if an attacker steals a password, they cannot get past the next step.

What MFA does

MFA works by combining different types of checks so access is not based on a password alone. These checks fall into three categories.

• Something you know such as a password or PIN

• Something you have such as an authentication app or one time code

• Something you are such as a fingerprint or face scan

By using more than one factor, MFA makes it much harder for attackers to break into accounts. Even if one layer fails, the others stand in the way.

Why it matters

Most security breaches start with compromised credentials. That means an attacker found or guessed someone’s password. MFA strengthens the sign in process by confirming a person’s identity from more than one angle. It protects email accounts, banking apps, health portals, and workplace systems from unauthorized access.

For industries like healthcare and finance, where sensitive information is constantly protected, MFA helps keep data safe without slowing down daily work.

Everyday takeaway

Think of MFA like the locks on your front door. A key alone is helpful, but pairing it with a door code makes your home safer. Even if someone finds the key, they still cannot enter without the code.

Good security uses layers, not a single barrier. MFA gives that extra layer that stops attackers before they get inside.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments if you use MFA in your daily apps and services. 🔐