Many security breaches stem from a single compromised password — and the scale of the problem is growing.
In fact, 93% of organizations report experiencing two or more identity-related breaches in a 12-month period, highlighting just how often unsecure credentials like passwords are involved in security incidents.
Despite companies’ efforts to strengthen password policies, attackers continue to exploit human error and poor password hygiene. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) reduces this risk by requiring a second — or even third — form of identity.
That’s why MFA is good for security: It makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access using compromised passwords or PINs.
However, the strength of your organization’s MFA setup depends on the technology behind it. Choosing secure credentials over less reliable options is critical to protecting sensitive systems and data.
Key takeaways:
How MFA works — and why your credentials matter
MFA works by layering identity verification across different categories: something the user knows (like a password), something they have (like a badge or phone) and something they are (like a fingerprint). If one factor is compromised — e.g., a password — attackers still need to bypass at least one additional layer.
This reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, which is especially critical in industries that handle sensitive information or must follow strict compliance requirements, such as healthcare or manufacturing.
As organizations work to strengthen their authentication strategies, many are looking beyond traditional credentials. According to IT and cybersecurity leaders, biometrics (58%), one-time passwords (37%) and passkeys (35%) are among the top solutions expected to replace conventional passwords in the workplace. Almost half (46%) are also exploring other MFA technologies.
But not all MFA methods are equally secure. Common factors like SMS codes, app-based push notifications or proximity cards are easily intercepted or spoofed.
More secure options — like passkeys, smart cards and mobile credentials stored in encrypted digital wallets — are harder to clone, tamper with or phish. This level of protection is essential in any Zero Trust strategy, where verifying every access attempt — regardless of location or device — is a core principle.
With secure credentials, your organization can gain greater control over identity management, boost security and optimize user experience.
3 secure credential types to strengthen your MFA strategy
Non-secure credentials, including passwords and proximity cards, remain among the most common entry points for attackers. In the first half of 2024, 77% of attacks involved compromised credentials as the initial access method, and 56% identified them as the root cause.
To strengthen your defenses, consider the following secure credential types to support a more effective MFA strategy:
- Smart cards
Smart cards store encrypted data on an embedded chip, making them much harder to clone than traditional proximity cards. They are ideal for sectors that require strong security protections, such as government, finance and healthcare.
rf IDEAS WAVE ID® readers support both contact and contactless smart card formats, enabling flexible implementation based on your organization’s needs. Our readers are designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of existing card technologies and access control software, supporting scalable deployments.
- Mobile credentials
Mobile credentials allow workers to use their smartphones as secure employee badges, streamlining access and reducing reliance on physical tokens or cards.
Because the credential is stored directly on the device and typically requires biometric verification — like Face ID or a fingerprint — it combines two MFA factors: something you have and something you are. This makes it much harder to share or duplicate.
rf IDEAS WAVE ID® Mobile readers support NFC and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), making them compatible with a variety of mobile access solutions. Our readers enable secure authentication in hybrid work environments, shared workspaces or touchless settings.
- Passkeys
Passkeys are a secure, phishing-resistant alternative to passwords that use cryptographic key pairs for authentication. Because passkeys eliminate the need for shared secrets, they reduce the risk of credential theft, reuse or spoofing.
These credentials are often stored in a cloud-based manager like Apple Keychain or Google Password Manager. Users can log in via fingerprint, facial recognition or device PIN.
rf IDEAS supports a streamlined transition to passkey-based authentication through our ConvergeID™ solution. ConvergeID enables organizations to convert existing physical or mobile credentials into FIDO2 security keys, strengthening MFA without having to issue entirely new credentials.
Future-proof your authentication strategy
Your MFA strategy is only as strong as the credentials you use.
To fortify your organization’s security posture, you need secure, phishing-resistant credentials that go beyond traditional MFA methods. Smart cards, mobile credentials and passkeys provide the reliability and encryption that today’s security environment demands.
With rf IDEAS WAVE ID® readers and the ConvergeID™ platform, you can support a wide range of secure credentials, modernize access control and build a stronger foundation for passwordless authentication.
Contact us to learn how rf IDEAS can support your MFA strategy.
