Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for banks or hospitals. Travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and resorts all deal with sensitive customer data, tight schedules, and high-value bookings. That’s why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is becoming essential in the travel and hospitality industry.
If you’re responsible for managing customer logins, staff access, or remote systems, adding MFA can reduce the chances of data breaches, stolen identities, or booking disruptions. But rolling it out can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
In this blog, we’ll walk through four key areas you should focus on when planning or improving your MFA setup.
1). The MFA Server: Your System’s Control Centre
At the heart of any MFA system is the server, it’s mission control. This server checks all the login attempts and decides what’s allowed and what’s not. Think of it like choosing the airline for your trip: you want one that’s reliable, gets you where you need to go, and offers a smooth ride.
Your MFA server should:
- Work with both cloud and on-site systems
- Handle data like login time, location, and device type
- Be flexible and integrate with other systems you already use
A well-set-up MFA server helps reduce the chance of mix-ups, like the wrong person accessing someone else’s credit card or booking info. If you’re unsure which server to choose, it’s worth speaking to an expert in identity management.
2). Devices & Methods: How People Log In
MFA only works well if people can use it easily. That’s where the client devices come in, these are the phones, laptops, tablets, and even fingerprint readers that people use to verify their identity.
Popular options include:
- Smartphones (for codes or push notifications)
- Smart cards or key fobs
- Biometric scans (like fingerprints or face ID)
Make sure your system supports the devices your customers and staff use. For example, if many of your users are on Android, your MFA solution should work smoothly on that platform.
Also think about which methods are best for your users. Passwords are easy to set up but not very secure. Biometric logins and adaptive MFA (which adjusts based on risk) are more secure, but harder to implement without expert help.
3). Integrating with VPN & SSO
Most travel companies use VPNs (virtual private networks) to let staff access systems remotely. This is usually the first place MFA is added. Make sure your MFA system works with your current VPN or choose one that makes integration easy.
Also think about single sign-on (SSO). This allows users to log in once and access multiple systems. It reduces frustration, especially in situations like a passenger checking flight details quickly. But SSO must be secure, so it should always be paired with MFA.
4). Application Access: Cover All Your Systems
Finally, don’t forget about your actual apps and platforms. MFA needs to work with all of them, from customer booking systems to employee portals. That’s where Access Management comes in. It acts as a gatekeeper for all your applications.
If you already have an access management system, check that it’s secure and can support MFA. If not, consider setting one up before rolling out MFA. This way, you can protect internal and external systems in a consistent and efficient way.
Getting MFA Right the First Time
By focusing on these four areas, your MFA server, devices, VPN/SSO integration, and access management – you’ll give your team and customers a secure, smooth experience.
As a RSA Security Gold Partner, we help businesses roll out solutions to support biometrics, adaptive MFA, and passwordless access.
If your current MFA system isn’t working well – or you’re just getting started – talk to us. We can help you create an MFA setup that protects your data, keeps your users happy, and fits your business.
