Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is widely used to protect user accounts, but attackers are finding clever ways to bypass it. From phishing to session hijacking, this free one-page guide outlines the most common MFA attack methods and how businesses can respond with smarter security strategies.
Executive Summary
This guide explains how Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), while essential, is not immune to bypass techniques. It outlines the most common attack methods used by cybercriminals and the practical steps businesses can take to strengthen their defences.
Common MFA bypass techniques include:
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Phishing and social engineering attacks
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MFA fatigue attacks (rapid-fire push requests)
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Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks that intercept credentials
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Session hijacking and token theft
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Exploiting legacy authentication protocols
Mitigation strategies covered:
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Implementing phishing-resistant MFA methods (e.g. FIDO2, hardware tokens)
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Blocking legacy protocols that weaken security
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Applying conditional access policies
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Monitoring for abnormal login behaviours
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Educating users about social engineering tactics
This guide is ideal for IT teams, security leads, and business owners looking to strengthen access controls and understand the limits of traditional MFA.
For more information see our Cyber Insurance service page.
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