Since the World Wide Web was introduced, cybercriminals have been preying on the digital space of vulnerable companies.Trying to stay ahead of this nefarious league of thieves, cybersecurity experts are always coming up with new methods to prevent hackers from getting into systems. In these modern times, the most widely used method to secure email accounts is Two-Factor Authentication. The 2FA method uses a handheld device (i.e. a phone or tablet) to authenticate the user accessing the email account.
How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?
With Two-Factor Authentication, online portals and email systems are made more secure by adding an extra layer of security. This additional layer requires a user to provide a verification code when logging in. After the user passes the first layer of security by entering a valid username and password, the system sends a verification code to the user’s handheld device. The user must enter the verification code generated in real-time by the email system to pass the second layer of security. To beat 2FA to get into your email account, hackers must not only gain access to your login credentials, they must also be in possession of your smartphone.
The one-time password (OTP) can be delivered to the user in two ways.
Through a text message.Through a third party authentication application, such as Google Authenticator or Authy.
Trustifi, the premier email security solution, uses the most advanced Two-Factor Authentication method to verify the user’s identity. Trustifi’s superior solution considers all the vulnerabilities and provides three different methods for authenticating the intended recipient’s identity:
by sending the OTP code via a text message on a mobile phoneby sharing a password through an authentication appby sending a separate email to the recipient containing the PIN code of the
encrypted email.
Vulnerabilities Within Two-Factor Authentication
Many companies believe that 2FA is the best method of protecting against security breaches, but many ways exist to circumvent Two-Factor Authentication. In recent studies, Two-Factor Authentication has been shown to have critical vulnerabilities. 2FA can be compromised either by abusing its design or by adopting implementations that web application administrators overlook. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, hackers can get past the extra layer of security. Cybercriminals typically use one of three common methods to compromise Two-Factor Authentication.
SIM Hacking
The most critical vulnerability in 2FA is the ability to hack the SIM card in a mobile device. A cybercriminal who hacks the user’s SIM card is able to access the recipient’s phone number used for two-factor authentication, allowing them to receive the OTP and gain access to the user’s account.
Phishing
The most effective and least technical way to hack a user is through phishing. In this case, the attacker sends the user a malicious link (also
known as URL phishing) or attachment via email. The hacker captures the user’s one-time password by directing them to a phishing site on which they are instructed to enter the OTP. The attacker watches the phony site in real-time and uses the single-use token to gain access to the protected account before it expires.
Channel Hijacking
In channel hijacking, hackers target the victim’s computer or smartphone with malware. Hackers can receive information from the user’s computer directly through this malware. Some malware is designed to steal data from PCs, while other malware targets phones. The malware in the phone helps the attackers read text messages directly from the cell tower. The malicious software allows the attacker to take total control of the victim’s phone and voice mail.
How to Overcome the 2FA Vulnerabilities?
Today, 2FA has evolved into
Multi-Factor Authentication, which follows the same pattern as 2FA but with a twist. While 2FA relies on a single handheld device for authentication, MFA can use multiple devices for authentication. The token is generated based on the different devices. Multi-factor authentication is better than Two-Factor Authentication because it allows users to verify themselves via several means. MFA also has its own vulnerabilities, but it is still a better solution than 2FA.
Final Words
The use of 2FA, despite all these vulnerabilities, is still preferred over not using it. Though it is hackable, it requires a lot of technical and advanced hacking, and not many people are capable of doing that. It is better yet to keep your eyes open for the bypasses mentioned above. In order to prevent 2FA hacking, companies must take into account all of these possible vulnerabilities and ask their security teams to find solutions.
Trustifi, the email security solution firm, knows all these vulnerabilities within the Two-Factor Authentication system and makes sure that your emails remain secure. Contact a Trustifi representative today to learn how Trustifi can secure your email systems and protect your digital space from invasion.
