What is a core benefit of using multifactor authentication in cloud security?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) significantly enhances account protection by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing their accounts. This typically involves a combination of something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or hardware token), and sometimes something the user is (such as biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition).

The core benefit of this approach is that it adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password, making it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to sensitive information. Even if a password is compromised, the additional authentication factors serve as barriers that help prevent account takeovers, thus protecting both user data and organizational resources from breaches.

This reinforcement of account security is vital in a cloud environment where sensitive data is stored and transmitted online, making multifactor authentication an essential practice for mitigating risks associated with identity theft and unauthorized access.