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Sagiss, LLC : Published: January 5, 2023 Updated: July 27, 2024
MFA fatigue attacks are becoming a significant concern for organizations relying on multifactor authentication (MFA) to secure their networks and data. While MFA is a powerful tool for preventing unauthorized access, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit this security measure.
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an effective tool for stopping unauthorized access to networks and websites, even if passwords are compromised. Like any other security measure, though, cybercriminals and threat actors are amazingly efficient at finding ways around the defenses.
Just ask the security teams at Uber, Cisco, and Microsoft, who watched as their employee accounts got compromised even with MFA in place. A group called Lapsus$ leaked 37 gigs of source code it stole from Microsoft after an employee fell victim to what’s increasingly being called “MFA fatigue attacks”.
So, what is a MFA fatigue attack? This type of attack involves cybercriminals bombarding users with repeated authentication requests, hoping to overwhelm and frustrate them into approving one of the requests. Once the user approves the notification, the attacker gains access to the system or account. This method leverages social engineering tactics and takes advantage of human nature to alleviate annoyance quickly.
MFA fatigue attacks are also known as MFA push fatigue attacks. Attackers exploit the MFA process by sending multiple requests through email or push notifications, aiming to wear down the user until they give in and approve the request.
The increasing number of resources being deployed in the cloud, the move to increased use of SaaS platforms and on-demand instances, and the increase in remote and hybrid work environments create a complex infrastructure for most companies.
MFA is an essential tool for cybersecurity services, requiring users to validate the access request. With MFA, users enter their password and receive an authorization request through a separate channel. Usually that results in an email or push notification containing a randomly generated PIN or code for one-time use. Until the second authorization is acknowledged or the user types the PIN into the platform, the user cannot proceed with access to the site or application.
The key benefit of MFA is that hackers would not be able to access your systems even if they obtained usernames and passwords — unless they also had access to a user’s email or a physical device. Since more than 80% of cyber breaches are the result of weak or stolen passwords, MFA provides an effective additional layer of security over the traditional approach of username/password alone.
Effective, yes, but MFA isn’t a foolproof solution for protecting your systems and data. For example, in the infamous SolarWinds hack, attackers stole the private keys for single sign-on (SSO). These keys allowed them to bypass MFA altogether. More than 400 Fortune 500 companies used Orion, SolarWinds network management system (NMS) software, which put all of them potentially at risk.
Some companies still rely on multiple access passwords rather than PINs or push notifications. For example, they prompt users to prove their identity by providing answers to a series of “security questions.” This method has proven less effective as social engineering has become prevalent as a way of learning a person’s likely answers to questions such as pet names, first jobs, mother’s maiden name, and so on.
MFA can also be susceptible to:
It's crucial for both users and IT administrators to recognize the signs of an MFA fatigue attack. These include:
Like everything in cybersecurity, securing your organization against MFA attacks requires a layered security approach.
Companies should review how they are deploying MFA. Security experts recommend disabling push notifications that simply ask to click to authenticate. Instead, requiring random numbers sent to a phone or a separate authentication app is more effective and makes it more difficult for attackers.
Limiting the number of authentication requests is another option. On some systems, you can limit the number of requests sent so that when employees see more than that number, they know something malicious is likely happening.
Identity and access management (IAM) solutions also help organizations centralize and automate the management of user accounts and privileges. An IAM solution, available through Microsoft 365, provides a central platform that lets you automate account updates/adjustments, helping you keep track of employee accounts.
IAM also helps restrict lateral movement within the network by ensuring users only have access to the systems they need to do their jobs. IAM can also prevent users from escalating privileges, a common tactic of hackers who have gained access to your system. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has plenty of examples of attackers using employee accounts or exploiting software flaws to gain access and escalate privileges.
Organizations also need to provide consistent end-user education to make them aware of the latest tactics that threat actors are using. In regard to MFA fatigue, this includes educating them to be on the lookout for:
The overwhelming number of data breaches are a result of human error. The World Economic Forum (WEF) study on global risks reports that 95% of all cybersecurity issues result from human errors. Hackers can compromise even the most secure environment without proper user training and reinforcement.
Employee Training Programs: Educating Your Workforce About MFA Security
Implementing comprehensive training programs is essential to educate employees about MFA security. Strategies include:
Adopting a zero trust security model can significantly enhance the effectiveness of MFA. This approach involves:
Cyberattacks have evolved significantly over the years, from simple password theft to sophisticated MFA fatigue attacks. Initially, hackers relied on brute force methods to guess passwords. As cybersecurity measures improved, so did the attackers' tactics. Today, social engineering plays a critical role in cyberattacks, with MFA push fatigue attacks becoming increasingly common. Understanding this evolution helps organizations anticipate and counteract future threats more effectively.
Beyond basic MFA practices, advanced techniques can further protect against MFA fatigue attacks:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming critical components in the fight against MFA fatigue attacks. AI and ML can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies and suspicious behavior patterns that may indicate an attack. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate threats before they cause significant damage.
MFA should not be the only line of defense. Integrating MFA with other security measures, such as VPNs, firewalls, and endpoint security, can create a more robust security posture. Combining multiple layers of security helps ensure that if one layer is compromised, others remain intact to protect the organization.
There are several myths and misconceptions about MFA security that need to be addressed:
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and so is the field of MFA. Future trends in MFA may include:
MFA fatigue attacks not only pose security risks but also impact employee productivity. Constant interruptions from authentication requests can lead to frustration and decreased efficiency. Organizations need to balance security with usability to ensure employees can work effectively without being overwhelmed by security measures.
Adhering to regulatory compliance is essential for organizations implementing MFA. Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA require stringent security measures to protect sensitive data. Ensuring compliance can help organizations avoid legal issues and build trust with customers.
Understanding the psychological factors behind MFA fatigue attacks can help in developing more effective defenses. Social engineering tactics exploit human behavior, so educating employees about these psychological tricks is crucial in preventing successful attacks.
Small businesses often lack the resources of larger organizations but still need robust security. Affordable and scalable MFA solutions are available that cater to the needs of small businesses. Implementing these solutions can help protect against cyber threats without straining budgets.
Having an incident response plan in place is vital for dealing with successful MFA fatigue attacks. An effective plan should include:
Selecting the right MFA solution depends on various factors, including:
The financial impact of MFA fatigue attacks can be significant. Costs can include:
MFA bombing, also known as MFA fatigue attack, involves attackers bombarding users with repeated authentication requests. The aim is to overwhelm the user, causing them to approve one of the requests out of frustration. This tactic is a form of social engineering that exploits human behavior.
MFA is designed to prevent various types of cyberattacks, including:
The goal of multifactor authentication is to make it much harder for attackers to steal credentials and use them to gain access. The best MFA solutions enforce a zero-trust approach when it comes to logins.
Strong MFA is an essential component of zero trust by adding a layer of security to access data. However, MFA is also only one layer in a comprehensive security approach. A holistic approach to zero trust across all networks, applications, and endpoints is crucial to optimizing protection.
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) requires all users and devices — inside a network’s perimeter or outside — to authenticate to gain access to networks and individual applications. Zero trust assumes a breach has occurred and takes proactive measures to limit exposure.
At a strategic level, ZTNA can establish, monitor, and maintain secure perimeters and endpoints within the network by forcing reauthentication at each endpoint or application.
Addressing MFA Fatigue Attacks: What We have Learned
The adoption of MFA can dramatically reduce the number of malicious logins and mitigate damage from stolen credentials. However, attackers continue to find new ways to exploit security flaws and human nature. It takes a comprehensive security strategy, robust identity access management, network segmentation, and end-user education to prevent successful MFA fatigue attacks.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of MFA, recognizing the signs of MFA fatigue attacks, and implementing advanced security measures, organizations can better protect their networks and data. Regular employee training and staying updated on the latest cybersecurity trends are crucial in this ongoing battle against cyber threats.
Sagiss can help. As a Managed Service Provider specializing in cloud management, security, and IT. Contact the security specialists at Sagiss today to find out more.
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