4 Ways Hackers Use Social Engineering to Bypass MFA

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a widely recommended security measure, but it is not infallible. Hackers can use various social engineering tactics to bypass MFA and gain unauthorized access to accounts and systems. Let's explore four common methods of MFA circumvention and emphasize the importance of having strong passwords as part of a layered defense.

• Automated Interactive Threat Model (AITM) attacks: Hackers trick users into entering their credentials on a fake website that mimics a legitimate one, then use the credentials to trigger and approve a genuine MFA request.
• MFA prompt bombing: Hackers compromise a password and attempt to login, which sends an MFA prompt to the user's device. They rely on the user either accepting the prompt by mistake or out of frustration.
• Helpdesk social engineering: Hackers impersonate legitimate users and contact service desks to request password resets or MFA device changes, exploiting the human factor and the recovery or backup procedures.
• SIM swapping:  Hackers persuade service providers to transfer a user's phone number and service to a SIM card under their control, allowing them to intercept MFA prompts and codes.

MFA is not exactly a "silver-bullet" solution, as their are no 100% guaranteed cybersecurity solutions that exist today. That's why we advise a layered approach to cybersecurity. Passwords still play a vital role in securing accounts. Fortify your cybersecurity defenses accordingly.