The MFA Dilemma: Security vs. Convenience

Let’s be honest: every time we see the “Turn on MFA now, or do it later” prompt, we instinctively click “Do it later.” We know that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is supposed to be a good thing—an added layer of protection against fraud, phishing, and unauthorized access. But we also know it’s incredibly annoying.

MFA shouldn’t be an unavoidable mandate; it should be an intelligent, adaptive safeguard that only steps in when needed. The problem today is that many security frameworks treat MFA as an all-or-nothing solution, ignoring the fact that frictionless security is not only possible but necessary.

Why Do We Keep Ignoring MFA Prompts?

The frustration with MFA is simple: it interrupts the user experience. Every time we log in, we’re asked to retrieve a code from an authenticator app, email, or SMS. And while it makes sense in some scenarios—like logging in from a new device or location—it often feels excessive when accessing an account from the same trusted device we use daily.

Security should never come at the expense of usability. If users are constantly frustrated, they seek workarounds, like using weaker passwords or reusing credentials across sites. Ironically, this can make accounts less secure, not more.

Security Should Be Smart, Not Obstructive

Instead of enforcing MFA across the board, security teams should focus on risk-based authentication—where MFA is only triggered if the system detects something unusual.

For example, a user logging in from their usual device, at their standard location, using a recognized behavioral pattern shouldn’t be forced through MFA. But if a login attempt suddenly comes from a different country, an unknown device, or with unusual keystroke patterns, then MFA makes perfect sense.

This approach balances security with usability by leveraging digital identity & behavioural profiling —a combination of device intelligence, behavioral biometrics, and contextual data,—to recognize returning users. If the system already knows it’s you, why ask for more proof?

The Future of MFA: Frictionless Authentication

The best authentication experience is one that users don’t even notice, unless they need to. Emerging technologies can reduce reliance on static credentials and MFA overkill, allowing authentication to be seamless while maintaining strong security.

What That Looks Like:

• Passive Authentication: Using device fingerprints, IP reputation, and behavioral analysis to recognize users without disrupting them.
• Step-Up Authentication: Only requiring MFA when the risk level is high, instead of making it mandatory for every login.
• Contextual Security: Evaluating login attempts based on multiple data points rather than rigid policies.

The Unpopular Popular Opinion?

MFA is not the enemy—but the way it’s enforced today often is. Instead of treating every login attempt as suspicious, security should work in the background and only step in when absolutely necessary.

Users shouldn’t be forced to choose between security and convenience. With smarter authentication strategies, we can finally put an end to the MFA fatigue and create a world where security just works—without constant interruptions. And then maybe we will stop clicking the “do it later” button.