MFA
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Multi-factor authentication |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Education & Academia, Government & Politics |
MFA has three meanings. The most common are Multi-factor authentication (cybersecurity) and Master of Fine Arts (degree); it can also stand for Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanings of MFA at a glance
| # | MFA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multi-factor authentication | Technology & Computing › Cybersecurity |
| 2 | Master of Fine Arts | Education & Academia › Degree |
| 3 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Government & Politics › World Government |
1. Multi-factor authentication
Technology & Computing · Cybersecurity Abbreviations
Authentication that requires two or more independent factors from different categories: knowledge (password, PIN), possession (phone, hardware key, smart card) and inherence (fingerprint, face). Two-factor authentication is its most common form.
Example: The cyber insurer now requires MFA on all remote access and admin accounts before it will renew our policy.
Microsoft has reported that MFA blocks over 99.9 percent of automated account-compromise attacks. Attackers respond with phishing proxies that relay codes in real time and "MFA fatigue" campaigns that flood users with push prompts, a tactic used in the 2022 Uber breach. Phishing-resistant MFA based on FIDO2 security keys or passkeys is now the recommended standard for high-value accounts.
2. Master of Fine Arts
Education & Academia · Degree Abbreviations
Studio-based graduate degree in visual art, creative writing, film, theater, dance or design, usually two to three years, culminating in a thesis exhibition, manuscript, film or performance. In the arts it is treated as the terminal degree for college teaching, much as the PhD is in academic fields.
Example: Her debut novel began as her MFA thesis at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Written M.F.A. The Iowa Writers' Workshop, founded in 1936, is the oldest creative writing degree program in the United States. Low-residency MFA programs let students work at home with mentors and attend short residencies. Fully funded MFA programs are highly competitive and accept a small fraction of applicants.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government & Politics · World Government Abbreviations
Name of the foreign ministry in many countries, including China, Japan and most European states, responsible for diplomacy, embassies and consular services. The US equivalent is the State Department and the UK's is the FCDO.
Example: The MFA spokesperson rejected the accusations at the daily press briefing.
Foreign ministries' regular press briefings, such as China's, are closely watched for policy signals. In academia, MFA means Master of Fine Arts, and in cybersecurity, multi-factor authentication. Some countries use variants such as MOFA, as in Japan and Taiwan.
Related abbreviations
More cybersecurity abbreviations
- MAC – Mandatory access control
- MD5 – Message-Digest Algorithm 5
- MDM – Mobile device management
- MDR – Managed detection and response
- MITM – Man-in-the-middle
- MSSP – Managed security service provider
- mTLS – Mutual TLS
- NAC – Network access control
See all 119 cybersecurity abbreviations →