What is an expected outcome of utilizing multi-factor authentication?

Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) leads to enhanced security of access control because it requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system or application. This additional layer of security significantly increases the effort required for unauthorized users to gain access, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful breaches.

MFA typically combines something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone app or hardware token), and sometimes something the user is (like a fingerprint or facial recognition). This diversified approach ensures that even if one credential is compromised, the chances of the attacker successfully accessing the system remain low. This mechanism makes it more challenging for cybercriminals to exploit stolen passwords or other credentials, ultimately protecting sensitive data and reducing the risk of account takeovers.

In implementing MFA, organizations effectively bolster their defense against unauthorized access and strengthen their overall security posture.