The MFA Level-Up: Why SMS Codes Are No Longer Enough (and What to Use Instead)

For years, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has been one of the smartest ways to protect business accounts. And it still is.

But here’s the problem: not all MFA is created equal anymore.

If your business still relies on one-time codes sent via text message, you may be depending on a layer of protection attackers learned how to bypass years ago. SMS-based MFA is better than passwords alone — but in today’s threat landscape, “better than nothing” is no longer good enough.

If you want real protection against modern attacks, it’s time for an MFA level-up.

Why SMS MFA Is No Longer Secure

SMS was never designed to be a secure authentication method. It relies on aging cellular infrastructure and protocols that weren’t built with today’s cyber threats in mind.

Attackers know this — which is why businesses using SMS MFA are frequently targeted.

Here’s how SMS MFA gets compromised:

• Cellular network vulnerabilities allow messages to be intercepted
• Phishing attacks trick users into entering codes on fake login pages
• SIM-swapping attacks reroute your phone number entirely

Once an attacker captures your password and your SMS code, MFA no longer protects you at all.

The Growing Threat of SIM-Swapping Attacks

SIM swapping is one of the most effective ways attackers bypass SMS MFA — and it doesn’t require advanced hacking skills.

In a SIM-swap attack, a criminal impersonates you when calling your mobile carrier. By claiming a “lost phone,” they convince support staff to transfer your number to a new SIM card they control.

When that happens:

• Your phone stops receiving calls and texts
• The attacker receives all MFA codes
• Password resets become trivial
• Email, banking, and cloud accounts are quickly compromised

This attack works because it targets people and processes, not technology — which makes it especially dangerous.

Why Phishing-Resistant MFA Is the New Standard

To stop these attacks, authentication must remove the human weakness attackers exploit.

That’s where phishing-resistant MFA comes in.

Instead of relying on codes that can be stolen or reused, phishing-resistant MFA uses cryptographic verification tied to:

• A specific device
• A specific user
• A specific website or service

Standards like FIDO2 and passkeys ensure credentials can’t be reused on fake websites — even if a user clicks a phishing link. If the domain doesn’t match, authentication simply won’t happen.

No codes.
Nothing to intercept.
Nothing to steal remotely.

Hardware Security Keys: The Gold Standard

Hardware security keys are one of the strongest MFA options available.

These small physical devices plug into a computer or tap against a phone. When logging in, they perform a cryptographic handshake with the service — without any codes to type.

Why they’re so effective:

• Nothing can be phished
• Nothing travels over the internet
• Attackers would need to physically steal the key

For administrators, executives, and high-risk accounts, hardware keys should be non-negotiable.

Authenticator Apps (Done the Right Way)

If hardware keys aren’t practical for every user, modern authenticator apps are a strong alternative.

Unlike SMS:

• Codes are generated locally on the device
• No cellular network is involved
• SIM swapping becomes irrelevant

To avoid “MFA fatigue” attacks, where users accidentally approve repeated login prompts, today’s best apps use number matching — requiring users to confirm a number shown on their screen.

That ensures the person approving the login is actually present.

Passkeys: Passwords Are Becoming Optional

Passkeys are quickly becoming the future of authentication.

They replace passwords entirely and use biometrics like fingerprints or Face ID. Passkeys are:

• Phishing-resistant
• Easy for users
• Synced securely across devices
• A major reduction in password resets and support tickets

For businesses, passkeys improve security and productivity — a rare win-win.

Security Only Works If People Use It

Upgrading MFA isn’t just a technical change — it’s a cultural one.

People are comfortable with text messages. That familiarity can create resistance to change. The key is education.

When users understand how easily SMS MFA is bypassed — and what’s at stake — adoption becomes much easier.

While phased rollouts make sense for general staff, privileged accounts should never rely on SMS MFA. Administrators and executives are prime targets and require the strongest protection available.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Legacy MFA methods create a false sense of security.

While SMS MFA may still satisfy minimum compliance requirements, it does not stop modern attacks — and the cost of a breach will always dwarf the cost of upgrading authentication.

Moving beyond SMS MFA delivers one of the highest returns on investment in cybersecurity.

If your business is ready to strengthen identity security without slowing down your team, we can help you design and deploy the right MFA strategy — securely, smoothly, and with minimal disruption.