Cybersecurity Glossary

MFA bypass is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) and gain access to a user's account or device without needing the second or subsequent factor of authentication.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that uses at least two different login methods to verify a person’s identity. As opposed to logging in via username and password, MFA uses tools such as security questions, unique codes sent to phones or email addresses, or fingerprint technology to further secure an individual’s account. MFA helps organizations protect individual corporate accounts and defend against unauthorized access, data breaches, and more.

A mail exchange (MX) record exists within your DNS (Domain Name System) and is responsible for the delivery of emails to your email server. The MX record establishes which mail server to route emails to on behalf of a domain. MX records are an important security vulnerability with traditional email security solutions. Secure email gateways (SEGs) require you to update your MX records to match that of the SEG. Because MX records are publicly visible, this alerts cybercriminals to the type of email security you are using—making you more vulnerable to a bypass attempt by hackers.