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Last updated on Mar 30, 2025
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You need to explain multi-factor authentication to a non-technical team. How do you make it clear?

How would you explain multi-factor authentication to your non-technical team? Share your approach to making it clear and accessible.

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Last updated on Mar 30, 2025
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  3. Information Security

You need to explain multi-factor authentication to a non-technical team. How do you make it clear?

How would you explain multi-factor authentication to your non-technical team? Share your approach to making it clear and accessible.

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9 answers
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    Isha Taneja

    Driving awareness for Data & AI-powered strategies || Co-Founder & CEO @Complere Infosystem || Editor @The Executive Outlook || Chair @TIE Women Chandigarh || Host@The Executive Outlook Podcast

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    "Think of your password like a house key. If someone copies it, they can get in." That’s why we use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)—it adds a second lock. I tell my team: MFA is like needing your key and a code sent to your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t log in. It’s not about making things harder—it’s about making access safer. Once they hear that, it just clicks.

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    Maniraj Selvaraj

    Driving Excellence in Tech and Digital Transformation | Hybrid and Multi Cloud | On-premises | Technical Account Management | Global Customer Success | Consulting Services | Global Product Specialist

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    MFA is like adding a second lock, maybe a keypad or a special fingerprint scanner. Even if someone steals your key, they still can't get in without the second lock.

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    K Rakesh Goud

    Senior Information Security Officer (SISO)

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    Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is like adding an extra lock to your front door for more security. It’s not just about a password (something you know); it also asks for something you have, like a code sent to your phone, or something you are, like your fingerprint. This extra step makes it harder for someone to break into your account, even if they know your password. MFA keeps things simple for you while making your account much safer. Think of it as a second layer of protection that helps keep your info secure without any hassle.

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    Alexia Wong

    Tuition teacher. Earned Community Top Voice Badge in Teaching in '23 and Community Top Voice Badge in Cybersecurity in '24.

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    To make it clear, you need to first use simple layman terms when explaining this to them. This is to avoid them from having any misunderstanding or unclarity. You need to then show them what multi-factor authentication is. This is because it's easier for them to understand it if they were to see it by themselves. You must also show them real life examples of how this helped other organizations who use it as compared to those who didn't. This is to let them see the benefits and advantages of it.

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    Thierry Uwimana

    Software Developer

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    Explain the Three Factors of Authentication 1. Something You Know: This is typically a password or PIN. It’s the first step in the authentication process. 2. Something You Have: This could be a smartphone, security token, or smart card. For example, when you log in, you might receive a code on your phone that you need to enter. 3. Something You Are: This refers to biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition. Some systems may use your fingerprint to verify your identity.

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    Pavlo Konobieiev

    DevOps and Cloud Engineering services | Co-Owner at ITSyndicate

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    Think of multi-factor authentication like getting into a club: you need your ID (password), your face on the guest list (fingerprint or phone), and sometimes, the bouncer texts you a secret code just to be sure you're not sneaking in with someone else's invite!

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    Moises Villarta Jr.

    PhD Student in Cybersecurity | MSc. Cybersecurity | MSc. IT Management | CCNA #CSCO12911175

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    Imagine locking your house with not just one but two or more locks. If a thief gets past the first, they still need another key. That’s how multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects your online accounts. Instead of just a password, MFA requires an extra step—like a fingerprint, a text code, or an authentication app—making it much harder for hackers to break in (CISA, 2021). Cyber threats are growing, and weak passwords alone are no longer enough (NIST, 2020). MFA strengthens security, reduces identity theft, and promotes cybersecurity awareness, ensuring personal and business data stay safe.

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    Ilya Volovnik

    Helping Accountants & Bookkeepers Stay Breach-Free | Free Security Assessments | Fractional CISO for Compliance & Cyber Insurance Readiness

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    My rule of thumb: if I can explain a technical concept in terms a kid can understand, I'm on the right track. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is like locking a treasure chest with two keys. It’s based on three principles: something you know (like a password), something you have (like your phone), and something you are (like your fingerprint). Even if someone steals your password, they can’t get in without the second "key." It's an extra layer of protection simple, effective, and essential

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