Why MuleSoft MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) is Crucial to Your Enterprise’s Data Security?

81% of data breaches are due to compromised login credentials. 900+ applications are used by an average enterprise, and they are usually secured using login credentials. While the industry is coming to terms with the ‘work-from-home' scenarios created after the Covid-19 crisis, we are seeing yet another major event happening- digital transformation. Both these events have forced organizations to up the ante on the security front. MuleSoft MFA (multi factor authentication) a smart way of authenticating your logins. In this blog, we are going to find out how this multiple-authentication method works and the various aspects associated with it.

What is Multi Factor Authentication in Anypoint?

Multi factor authentication is a secure authentication method where access is granted only after the verification clears multiple layers of authentication. Usually, two or more than two pieces of evidence are required for multi-factor authentication in Anypoint.

It is an integral part of login into Anypoint platform. One of the simplest and most effective ways of securing data and applications, Salesforce multi factor authentication employs use of authentication apps, security keys and sometimes biometric information.

Think of it as a combination of two things - “something you know,” like login credentials, and “something you have,” like an authenticator app. Unless you have both these evidences, Salesforce MFA would prevent you from logging in to the website or application. The MuleSoft architecture has a system that allows this.

Why is MFA authentication Important?

Salesforce MFA finds its significance in the fact that it provides an additional layer of verification for Anypoint platform users.

It, therefore, protects sensitive information such as business and customer data from unintended users or attackers. It significantly improves the login security of the Anypoint platform account.

What are the Different MuleSoft MFA (multi-factor authentication) Verification Methods?

There are a host of MuleSoft MFA verification methods that your organization can choose from. You can enable a Salesforce authenticator app or third-party authenticator apps available in the market such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, etc. These apps generate a one-time login password that you need to provide before login.

Another popularly used method is the security key method wherein a physical security key such as Yubikey or Titan Security key is used. This particular device needs to be procured by the organization using it.

A built-in biometric authenticator is also a good way to authenticate MuleSoft MFA. Some MuleSoft developer skills could come in handy for this.

What is Salesforce Authenticator in Multi-factor Authentication?

Salesforce is the fastest and the most efficient authenticator apps out there for MuleSoft MFA and other types of identity verification.

It offers smart and simple two factor authentication solutions for Anypoint security without compromising on the user experience.

It is an intelligent, two-factor mobile authentication app that delivers enterprise-level security while offering simplicity and convenience to end-users.

Employees can easily access critical business data through simple push notifications on their mobile devices. One of the most widely used authenticator apps for MuleSoft MFA, the Salesforce authenticator app has set a benchmark of security in the industry.

Multi-factor Authentication Using Anypoint Platform

There are two approaches to achieving MFA. The first is the usual MFA in Anypoint.

The other is that you set up MFA from the beginning so that anyone who logs in does not have to authenticate. Keeping these two approaches in mind, we have several Multi factor options available;

• Making Use of Enterprise's Multi factor authentication-based Single Sign On

  Companies that do not allow users to access Anypoint without SSO (Single-Sign-On) don't have to use the MFA. In such cases, you can go for Anypoint access.

• Full Anypoint Platform MFA

  If your users can access Anypoint without an MFA-based SSO service, then you must enable the MFA functionality for all users.

• A Mix of Both MFA-based SSO and Anypoint MFA

  If your company has both MFA-based SSO and non-SSO users, it is prudent to use a combination of the two. For instance, you can use Organization's MFA for the SSO users. Non-SSO users can enable MFA directly on the Anypoint platform.

What are MuleSoft's MFA Features?

MuleSoft's MFA has a varied range of features. It has the following key attributes;

• Ease of Management

  The ease of management feature of MuleSoft MFA lets end-users manage the verification methods from the user profile page.

• Reporting

  With the reporting feature, you know which accounts are enabled, exempted, or what is required from the user.

• Enforcement

  This particular feature is the capability to differentiate between all those who need to log in using MFA and all those who do not.

• Exclusion

  The exclusion feature is all about excluding specific users from accessing specific integrations.

• Revocation

  Revocation is about removing a user from the MuleSoft MFA.

Accounts Exempted from MuleSoft MFA

The following accounts are exempted from MuleSoft MFA;

• Automation Accounts

  The MFA does not apply to test automation tools such as Selenium and Cucumber. It also does not hold for the Robotic Process Automation systems.

• Other Service Accounts

  Internal Connected Apps are suggested to MuleSoft users in place of service accounts. Connected Apps offer more security and control than the service accounts.

• MuleSoft Anypoint On-premises edition

  Multi-factor authentication is not enabled or required for this.

• Trial Accounts

  MFA isn't required or enabled for trial accounts, but it is available if one wants to use it.

How Can BluEnt Help You?

Data is the new-age equivalence of gold. One that knows how to properly use it, reaps its benefits. Data security is cited as a concern all along. Companies disburse millions just to ensure that their data is safe.

MuleSoft MFA is a smart way of ensuring that security. MuleSoft is cost-effective and seamless. However, since it concerns data security, you do not want to take chances. This is where MuleSoft developers come in.

At BluEnt, we have an adept team of skilled developers looking to help you win your digital transformation journey and give you proper MuleSoft support. With more than two decades of helping businesses reach their full potential, we have garnered a client base and trust that many envy.

Our services, such as MuleSoft integration, data analytics, data engineering, and data science, are known to give a 360-degree makeover to our clients' businesses. Looking forward to partnering with us? Contact us to get started