What is the Biggest Issue CISOs Face When Implementing MFA?

The biggest challenge for CISOs implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is balancing security and user experience. Traditional MFA or 2FA methods, such as SMS-based codes or mobile authenticator apps, often lead to:

  • User Friction: Low adoption rates due to cumbersome authentication processes.
  • Higher Support Costs: Increased help desk calls for resets and troubleshooting.
  • Security Gaps: Dependence on passwords or shareable secrets introduces vulnerabilities.

Additionally, managing MFA across diverse applications and environments poses integration and scalability challenges, further complicating implementation.

Why Enterprises Should Move Directly to Phishing-Resistant MFA

1. Eliminates Common Attack Vectors

Phishing-resistant MFA solutions, such as those based on FIDO2/WebAuthn, eliminate the need for passwords and traditional One-Time Passcodes (OTPs). By using public key cryptography, private keys are securely stored on a user’s device and never shared, rendering phishing and credential-stuffing attacks ineffective.

2. Meets Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Regulations like NIST 800-63-3 and mandates from cyber insurers increasingly require phishing-resistant MFA. Adopting such solutions ensures compliance and improves security posture.

3. Enhances User Experience

Passwordless, biometric-based authentication eliminates friction, enabling faster, seamless access without compromising security or productivity.

4. Future-Proofs Enterprise Security

Phishing-resistant MFA solutions address evolving threats like man-in-the-middle (MitM) and session hijacking, preparing organizations to handle advanced attack vectors.

How TraitWare’s Passwordless MFA/SSO Solution Aligns with Above Points

TraitWare offers a robust, phishing-resistant MFA + Single Sign-On (SSO) platform that tackles enterprise challenges head-on. Here’s how:

1. Eliminates Common Attack Vectors
  • Passwordless Authentication: TraitWare removes passwords and “Knowledge Factors” or shareable secrets – entirely. Users authenticate with invisible factors like biometrics, device possession, and behavioral traits, eliminating the risk of phishing attacks.
  • Public Key Cryptography (FIDO2/WebAuthn): TraitWare’s platform integrates FIDO2/WebAuthn protocols to secure user authentication with asymmetric key pairs. Private keys never leave the user’s device, rendering attacks such as credential stuffing and phishing ineffective.
  • Patented Trait-Based Rotating Key: TraitWare’s platform delivers a dynamic token rotation using a person’s unique trait characteristics. This uniqueness separates a user and the token to greater than 1:300 billion, creating a 99.99% identity assurance level, aligning with NIST AAL2/ AAL3 standards. A person must authenticate to the key and the key must be authenticated prior to it being used to authenticate to a relying application or endpoint. 
  • Transparent Mulit-Factor Authentication: By using transparent or “invisible” factors, TraitWare’s platform is phishing-proof.
  • Trusted Browser Extension: TraitWare’s browser extension creates a trusted session between the browser and the out-of-band authentication server. This addresses the more sophisticated attacks like AITM or evilgenix proxy attacks. 
2. Meets Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
  • Alignment with Standards: Complies with NIST 800-63-3, FTC Safeguards Rule, CMMC, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others demanding higher assurance levels for identity verification.
  • Access Control and Audit Trails: Comprehensive logging and integration with access control policies enhance governance and compliance capabilities.
  • Critical Control for Cyber Insurance Underwriting
3. Enhances User Experience (Think Passkeys for Business)
  • Frictionless Access: TraitWare offers a user-friendly mobile app that replaces the need for passwords and manual code entry with a single tap or biometric verification. This improves both user adoption and security posture.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) and Passwordless MFA Combined: Users can access multiple applications seamlessly through an SSO portal, reducing login fatigue and administrative burden.
4. Future-Proofs Security
  • Mitigates Advanced Threats: TraitWare’s approach defends against sophisticated attacks like man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks and session hijacking by ensuring authentication is bound to a specific device.
  • Adaptive Authentication Capabilities: TraitWare is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing IT environments, evolving as security needs change. 
5. Standards-Based Deployments

Using standard frameworks to integrate and deploy, single-step MFA empowers administrators to focus on business, rather than managing and enforcing MFA.

  • Interoperability: Leverages industry-standard frameworks such as SAML 2.0 and OIDC to integrate with web applications and other predominant Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems.
  • Endpoint Integration: Provides custom agents and PAMs for seamless integration with Windows and Linux endpoints.

The Enterprise Case for TraitWare

By addressing key enterprise challenges—security, compliance, user experience, and adaptability—TraitWare makes Phishing-Resistant, Passwordless MFA a practical and scalable solution for modern organizations.

Key Benefits for Enterprises:
  • Eliminates credential-based attacks with phishing-proof MFA.
  • Simplifies compliance with cyber insurance and regulatory mandates.
  • Enhances employee productivity through frictionless authentication.
  • Future-proofs security against evolving threats.

Implementing TraitWare’s Phishing-Resistant Passwordless MFA/SSO isn’t just about improving security—it’s about delivering a seamless user experience that empowers your team and protects your enterprise.

At TraitWare, we understand the challenges … and the reluctance CISOs face today when considering MFA for the Enterprise. We are here to help!

For more information, please reach out any time.