Challenges of PCI-Compliant Multi-Factor Authentication
In the era of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has emerged as a hallmark of robust user authentication. While the premise of MFA is straightforward, implementation nuances can introduce significant complexities, especially when aligning with Payment Card Industry (PCI) guidelines. The distinction PCI makes between multi-factor and multi-step authentication (MSA) presses developers into a challenging trilemma. This article explores this trilemma, the real-world MFA practices of major internet platforms, and the pitfalls in the PCI guidance.