A comprehensive strategy for data security is required for the cybersecurity maturity model certification (CMMC). The area of identification and verification (IA), which handles user logging information like usernames and passwords, is home to 16 of the 171 practices mentioned in the CMMC cybersecurity framework.
Most CMMC consulting companies will strive for a level three CMMC evaluation, as it is necessary to process CUI as a defense contractor. IA.3.083, one of the essential practices established in CMMC cybersecurity level 3, is one of the most significant procedures. This specifies that multifactor authentication is required for both local and connected entry to privileged profiles and networked connection to non-privileged accounts.
Here’s what it implies in the era of cloud technology and why it matters:
What is multifactor authentication, and how does it work?
The login/password integration is the most basic identification technique dating back to at least the advent of computing. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds one or more levels of protection to the authentication process. Using a credit card to extract cash from an ATM is a typical scenario that everyone is acquainted with. The card serves as the initial layer of authentication, with a PIN number serving as the final layer of protection.
1: Protect yourself from password theft in the first place.
Excessive dependence on passwords exposes accounts to social manipulation frauds, many of which explicitly target user credentials. Phishing emails appearing to be of a trustworthy coworker, or a rogue website posing as one connected to a genuine company, are the most common forms of these frauds.
MFA is particularly efficient in safeguarding accounts from these frauds since obtaining extra user credentials is far more difficult for the perpetrator. This is especially true for tokens only used once or biometric data unique to the person.
2: Adhere to the principles of zero trust.
According to the zero trust defense policy, no entry should ever be considered to be valid and must constantly be confirmed. It’s frequently used in conjunction with the concept of access privileges, which states that user accounts or particular systems should only be given authorized permissions to the data who need to access it to accomplish their jobs.
MFA implements zero-trust regulations by requiring users to authenticate their credentials at all times, especially when logging on from a new device, connection, or geographical area. This will also assist in achieving CMMC compliance practice IA.3.083 compliance.
3: Use a single sign-on system.
One of the biggest causes for the formation of bad password habits, such as repeating the same password for many accounts, is having to remember hundreds of distinct sets of login information. Adding further authentication steps might make things even more complicated, but this does not have to be the case.
MFA is frequently paired with single sign-on (SSO) in commercial settings, which enables customers to access all of the applications and information they need to complete their tasks with a consistent dataset of login credentials and additional authentication procedures.
4: Ensure the safety of mobile workforces
While few can argue with the advantages of worker flexibility, online accessing corporate platforms containing or transferring CUI and other critical data come with their own set of hazards. After all, increasing accessibility might make it simpler for attackers to get access. This is particularly true for distant employees who use unprotected wireless networks.
By securing and regulating access to online accounts, MFA helps secure the move from functioning in the workplace to operating from home and abroad. Another essential criterion for completing a CMMC evaluation, particularly at higher levels, is to have this.