How Hackers Can Circumvent Multi-Factor Authentication

How Hackers Can Circumvent Multi-Factor Authentication

CARL | 6 Minute Read

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a powerful security measure that adds an additional layer of protection to user accounts by requiring multiple forms of verification. While MFA significantly enhances security, no system is entirely immune to sophisticated hacking attempts. Below we’ll delve into the world of cybersecurity and explore some advanced techniques that hackers might employ to circumvent MFA.

Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA typically combines two or more of the following factors:

  • Something you know (password or PIN)
  • Something you have (smartphone or hardware token)
  • Something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition)

While MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, hackers have developed the following methods to overcome these safeguards.

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Phishing Attacks with Real-Time Interception

Hackers might employ phishing techniques to trick users into revealing their login credentials and MFA codes. Some advanced attacks use real-time interception, where hackers create fake login pages that capture credentials and immediately use them to log in before the victim can use their MFA code.

SIM Swapping

In SIM swapping attacks, hackers convince mobile carriers to transfer a victim’s phone number to a SIM card controlled by the attacker. This enables them to receive MFA codes sent via text messages, effectively bypassing MFA protection.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Hackers might intercept communication between a user and a service to capture login credentials and MFA codes. MitM attacks can occur through compromised networks or by redirecting traffic through malicious proxies.

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The post How Hackers Can Circumvent Multi-Factor Authentication appeared first on Abacode.

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