Understanding MFA Fatigue Attacks and How to Prevent Them
Cyber threats are increasing every year. In just one year, nearly 1 billion email accounts were exposed, impacting almost 1 in 5 internet users. To protect against credential theft, phishing, and password attacks, organizations widely use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
However, cybercriminals have found a way to misuse this security layer through a tactic known as MFA fatigue attacks.
However, cybercriminals have found a way to misuse this security layer through a tactic known as MFA fatigue attacks.
What Is MFA Fatigue?
MFA fatigue also known as MFA exhaustion, 2FA fatigue, push spam, or prompt bombing is a method attackers use to bypass multi-factor authentication. Unlike attacks that rely on technical weaknesses such as system flaws or session hijacking, MFA fatigue is based on human behavior.
Attackers repeatedly send authentication requests to a user’s device using stolen or guessed credentials. The goal is to overwhelm the user until they:
Once the user approves a request, attackers gain access to the account.
Attackers repeatedly send authentication requests to a user’s device using stolen or guessed credentials. The goal is to overwhelm the user until they:
- Approve a request by mistake
- Give in to frustration
- Assume the notifications are a system error
Once the user approves a request, attackers gain access to the account.
What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication is a security method that requires users to verify their identity using more than one factor. A common version is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which requires two verification steps.
The MFA process usually begins when a user enters a username and password. After this first step, the system asks for an additional verification factor before granting access. These factors may include:
Most modern MFA systems send a push notification, text message, or call to the user’s registered device. This step is where MFA fatigue attacks usually occur.
The MFA process usually begins when a user enters a username and password. After this first step, the system asks for an additional verification factor before granting access. These factors may include:
- A one-time password or PIN
- Biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition
- Location-based verification
- A physical device such as a mobile phone or security card
Most modern MFA systems send a push notification, text message, or call to the user’s registered device. This step is where MFA fatigue attacks usually occur.
How an MFA Fatigue Attack Begins
1. Stealing User Credentials
Attackers first obtain usernames and passwords through phishing emails, social engineering, leaked databases, or exposed credentials from previous breaches.
2. Triggering MFA Push Requests
Using the stolen credentials, attackers attempt to log in repeatedly. Each attempt triggers an MFA push notification sent to the victim’s device.
3. Overwhelming the User
Victims receive multiple login approval requests within a short time. The constant alerts create confusion and stress, often leading users to approve a request just to stop the notifications.
In some cases, attackers may impersonate IT or technical support, telling the user that the requests are part of system maintenance.
Attackers first obtain usernames and passwords through phishing emails, social engineering, leaked databases, or exposed credentials from previous breaches.
2. Triggering MFA Push Requests
Using the stolen credentials, attackers attempt to log in repeatedly. Each attempt triggers an MFA push notification sent to the victim’s device.
3. Overwhelming the User
Victims receive multiple login approval requests within a short time. The constant alerts create confusion and stress, often leading users to approve a request just to stop the notifications.
In some cases, attackers may impersonate IT or technical support, telling the user that the requests are part of system maintenance.
Why MFA Fatigue Attacks Are Effective
These attacks succeed because they exploit:
- Human error
- Notification overload
- Lack of user awareness
- Trust in system-generated prompts
Best Practices to Protect Against MFA Fatigue Attacks
Improve MFA Configuration
Educate and Train Users
Strengthen Authentication Beyond MFA
Apply Least Privilege Access
Harden Systems
Expand Vulnerability Management
- Shorten the time allowed for authentication approvals
- Limit repeated login attempts
- Add location-based or biometric verification
- Increase the number of authentication factors for sensitive actions
- Monitor and flag unusual authentication behavior
Educate and Train Users
- Provide regular security awareness training
- Teach users to reject unexpected MFA prompts
- Encourage reporting of suspicious notifications immediately
Strengthen Authentication Beyond MFA
- Adopt a Zero Trust security model
- Use FIDO2 authentication for passwordless access
- Enforce possession-based authentication using hardware or secure devices
Apply Least Privilege Access
- Grant users access only to what they truly need
- Limit the movement of attackers if an account is compromised
- Reduce exposure of high-privilege accounts
Harden Systems
- Remove unused services and access points
- Keep software, systems, and firmware updated
- Apply security patches regularly
Expand Vulnerability Management
- Identify vulnerabilities early through regular assessments
- Prioritize critical issues
- Track remediation actions and maintain audit logs
Conclusion
As cyber threats grow more advanced, attackers continue to find new ways to bypass security measures. MFA fatigue attacks highlight the importance of combining strong technology with informed users. While MFA remains a powerful defense, it must be configured correctly and supported by training and modern security practices.
Skillmine helps businesses strengthen their security posture by protecting tools, systems, and people. Our authentication and authorization solution, Auth, combines MFA and Single Sign-On (SSO) to centralize access management and simplify secure authentication across multiple applications.
Looking for expert technology consulting services? Contact us today.
Skillmine helps businesses strengthen their security posture by protecting tools, systems, and people. Our authentication and authorization solution, Auth, combines MFA and Single Sign-On (SSO) to centralize access management and simplify secure authentication across multiple applications.
Looking for expert technology consulting services? Contact us today.