2FA has proven to be one of the best tools you can integrate into your organization to authenticate a user before allowing them access to a secure application. It serves as an authentication mechanism to confirm whether a user is who they claim to be, as suggested by the name.

A user must provide something they already have (such as a smart card or hardware token) or something that only they can provide (such as a fingerprint or iris scan) to pass two-factor authentication (2FA). Compared to the conventional username, email, and password security pattern, 2FA is a better choice. Many businesses and clients are the targets of hackers who break in and take essential files after discovering a way to circumvent this login pattern.

The purpose of 2FA is to make it more difficult for cyber attacks and lower the risk of fraud. It offers more robust protection against unauthorized access to user accounts. But which sectors does 2FA apply to the most? Here are some of them.

1. Finance

The finance industry is one of the industries that need a high level of security, which is why 2FA is a must in the sector. Because most financial institutions use 2FA, users must first enter their PIN (a piece of information they know) and their ATM card (a physical item they possess) to access any of their services.

As more finance companies transition to providing online services, they require this extra security to safeguard clients' assets. Every organization that processes and stores credit card payment information is required to adhere to the PCI-DSS. To ensure their security, they need to integrate two authentication factors.

2. Law Enforcement

The type of information that law enforcement agencies handle necessitates using the best security measures to protect that data. As an illustration, consider US law enforcement agencies working with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division.

Given the significance of the files stored on this system, the agency needs a more robust security system like multi-factor authentication (MFA). Currently, the system requires you to enter your 2FA credentials to access the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Accessing the NCIC from a mobile terminal, a handheld device, or a public location requires US law enforcement officers to pass the 2FA test.

3. Healthcare

Health care is another sector that requires 2FA integration in its system due to the kind of information it harbors. For instance, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established to safeguard a person's right to privacy regarding their medical records.

Under HIPAA, healthcare organizations need to put measures in place to enforce password security, and 2FA is one tool they can integrate. Healthcare organizations can be sure to uphold strict password security requirements and industry standards by using 2FA.

4. Defense

The Common Access Card (CAC), given to active duty members of the Uniformed Services, members of the Selected Reserve, DoD civilian employees, and qualified contractors, is a type of 2FA used by the US Military.

The military personnel's sole means of accessing structures and restricted areas is through this card. Additionally, they use it to access DoD computer systems and networks.

5. Government Websites

2FA has been a requirement for accessing government websites for several years. These initiatives from the US government demonstrate the value of two-factor authentication (2FA), which they rely on to promote password-only authentication systems.

Testing 2FA and MFA security

You can use testing services with disposable phone numbers and email accounts to test secure logins. For testing SMS TOTP pass codes see the SMS OTP testing guide. Test email based login using fake email accounts that can be controlled from within tests and code.

Conclusion

Any organization can strengthen the security of its systems, data, and customer information by implementing a 2FA solution. In the online world, where passwords are the only security measure preventing unauthorized access to systems, 2FA is essential.

MailSlurp provides secure email access using SAML single sign on and 2FA.