--- sourceDocument: Brazil Platform security sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/platform-security Release : - brazil ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Brazil Platform security ft:clusterId : - psec bundleId : - psec workflow : - Platform --- # Exploring MFA # Exploring Multi-factor Authentication {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Brazil Updated September 10, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Exploring Multi-factor Authentication Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to verify their identity using two or more different factors, beyond just a password. This additional layer protects your ServiceNow environment from unauthorized access and common cyberthreats such as phishing and identity theft. Show full answer Show less ## How MFA Works * **First factor:** User credentials (username and password). * **Second factor:** A verification method the user possesses, such as an authenticator app or hardware security key. Verification factors are categorized based on their security strength: * **Secured Factors:** **FIDO** (hardware tokens or biometrics) and **TOTP** (time-based one-time passwords via authenticator apps) provide strong protection. * **Less-Secured Factors:** **Email** and **SMS** OTPs are more vulnerable and generally less recommended. ## ServiceNow MFA Features * MFA is enabled by default via the `glide.authenticate.multifactor` property and can only be disabled with a valid business justification. * Supported verification methods include: * **Authenticator Apps:** Generate temporary codes (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator). * **FIDO2:** Hardware keys and biometric devices using public-key cryptography (e.g., YubiKey, Touch ID). * **Passkey:** Device unlocking with biometrics, PIN, or pattern. * **OTP:** Time-limited passwords via SMS or Email. * MFA integrates with multiple authentication methods, including native ServiceNow authentication, LDAP, and Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols like SAML and OIDC. ## Implications for ServiceNow Customers By leveraging MFA, you significantly strengthen access security for your ServiceNow environment. Prioritize secured factors like FIDO and TOTP to maximize protection. Since MFA is enabled by default, disabling it requires a clear business rationale, ensuring that your organization maintains robust authentication practices. MFA's compatibility with various authentication systems offers flexibility in integrating with your existing identity infrastructure. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires users to provide information other than their basic credentials. MFA is a security process that requires a user to provide two or more different verification factors to access a service or account. It adds an extra security layer of protection to your service beyond just a password, which makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. By requiring multiple factors, MFA significantly enhances security and helps protect against various cyberthreats, including phishing and identity theft. Here's some insight about how MFA works: * First factor: The user using their user name and password for login. * Second factor: The user is prompted for a second factor that's with the user (An identity verification method such as an authenticator app or security key). {#explore-mfa__ul_pnn_2nn_zcc} Further, these factors can be typically categorized into secured and less-secured based on their level of protection against common security threats. * Secured Factors: * FIDO (Fast Identity Online): This factor uses hardware tokens or biometric authentication methods, providing a high level of security by confirming that the user has a physical device or unique biometric trait to verify their identity. * **TOTP (Time-Based One-time Password):** This factor generates a one-time password that is valid for a short period, usually 30 seconds. It's typically delivered through a mobile app, adding an extra layer of security by requiring the user to have access to a specific device and app. {#explore-mfa__ul_w2q_wcf_3fc} * Less-Secured Factors: * **EMAIL:** This factor sends a verification code or link to the user's email address. While convenient, it's less secure because email accounts can be compromised. * **SMS:** This factor sends a verification code via text message to the user's phone number. It's also less secure due to the potential for SIM swapping and other mobile phone vulnerabilities. {#explore-mfa__ul_x2q_wcf_3fc} {#explore-mfa__ul_pvl_ycf_3fc} To enhance security, it's recommended to prioritize the use of secured factors like FIDO and TOTP over less-secured factors like EMAIL and SMS. Note: * MFA is activated by default on ServiceNow. * MFA is enabled using glide.authenticate.multifactor property. If you want to disable this property, you must provide a business justification about why you want to disable MFA. {#explore-mfa__ul_xq1_yzl_ndc}
ServiceNow's MFA supports verification methods such as Authenticator App, Fast IDentity Online 2 (FIDO2), Passkey, and time-based One-time Password (OTP). Following are the details of available verification methods: * Authenticator App: Apps that generate unique, temporary verification codes. For example: Okta, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and so on * FIDO2: Physical devices that use public-key cryptography to validate user identities. For example: Hardware Keys (YubiKey), Biometric scanners (Apple's Touch ID). * Passkey: Log in with a passkey by unlocking the device with a biometric sensor, PIN, or pattern. * OTP: The secret key and the current time to generate a unique password that is only valid for a short period. For example: SMS (OTP) and Email (OTP). {#explore-mfa__ul_c4j_fjn_zcc} You can use MFA along with the following: * Local Database Authentication (native ServiceNow authentication) or [Lightweight Directory Access Protocol integration](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/WVUn~~h_nIUB0l3p~8pd5w "An LDAP integration allows your instance to use your existing LDAP server as the primary source of user data.") * SSO SAML or SSO OIDC. For more information, see [Multi-Provider single sign-on (SSO)](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/x7LZE9CpaDylYDBsBgn2cw "External SSO allows organizations to use several SSO identity providers (IdPs) to manage authentication as well as retain local database (basic) authentication."). {#explore-mfa__ul_wxr_jn4_jx} **Related concepts** * [Multi-factor authentication verification methods](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/PJUcsz8Jm6f_sU9rHDXIoQ "ServiceNow's MFA supports verification methods such as Authenticator App, Fast IDentity Online 2 (FIDO2) and Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP).") **Related reference** * [Multi-factor Authentication system properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Bd8zZ0XuXsmK5n0mFq00gw "Use system properties to enable and customize MFA to meet your security requirements.")