What should a secure network ideally include when it comes to user authentication?

A secure network should ideally incorporate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for enhanced security due to its ability to significantly strengthen the authentication process. MFA requires two or more distinct factors for verification, which generally fall into three categories: something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a smartphone or a security token), and something the user is (such as biometric identifiers like fingerprints or facial recognition).

This layered approach makes it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access, as gaining entry would require compromising multiple factors rather than just one. For example, even if a password is stolen, an attacker would still need the second factor to successfully authenticate.

The advantages of MFA are particularly vital in the modern threat landscape, where cyber-attacks and data breaches have become more commonplace. By utilizing multi-factor authentication, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance the overall security of their networks and sensitive data.