What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

In today’s world, passwords can be easily stolen or hacked, which means that the accounts and data behind those passwords are at risk. Multi-factor authentication adds at least one more layer of identity verification to that process, so your protection against hacking and fraud attempts is much stronger and more secure than a simple password.

This additional verification step could be a prompt that you approve via a mobile app, a randomly generated code that you enter when you log in to an account or application, or even a scanned fingerprint. Typically, MFA systems rely on evidence from at least two of the following categories:

1. 1. Something you know, such as your login and password
2. 2. Something you have, such as your smartphone
3. 3. Something you are, such as your fingerprint

Thomson Reuters Authenticator Display Cards

Thomson Reuters Authenticator Display Cards allow customers of the CS Professional Suite and Onvio product lines to have an alternate method of multi-factor authentication for their software. The cards, which are the size of a credit card, allow users to meet a second factor of authentication to gain access to their software (knowing your login and password and having the Display Card). Easy to use (turn on, and use the 6-digit code generated to authenticate into your software), these cards are a great option for those who do not wish to use a mobile app on their personal devices, or as a backup to authenticating via their mobile device (for example, in the instance of a lost or broken smartphone).