Maturity model for multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Ongoing development instead of a one-off project

Multi-factor authentication is now an indispensable component of IT security. In practice, however, it is clear that MFA is not something that can simply be switched on. Companies differ greatly in terms of their system landscapes, user groups, and individual protection requirements.

This is precisely where the MFA maturity model comes in. It describes the typical development stages of an MFA strategy, from classic password-based access to completely passwordless and centrally controlled authentication procedures. Each stage represents a comprehensible step forward and reflects a realistic situation as found in many organizations.

The goal of the maturity model:

  • Provide guidance
  • assess one's own status quo
  • derive sensible next steps

This is how the model is structured

The MFA maturity model does not view authentication in isolation as a technical function, but rather as the interplay of several success factors:


Authentication procedure

From classic passwords to one-time codes and push procedures to FIDO2 standards and completely passwordless logins.

Integration & Coverage

How consistently is MFA used? Is it only sufficient for individual applications, or is it consistently integrated across systems, user groups, and identities—all the way up to a central identity platform?

Usability & Operation

How intuitive is the registration process for users? How much support is required? And how efficiently can issues such as device replacement, recovery, or onboarding be handled?


Only the interplay of these dimensions determines how secure, stable, and sustainable an MFA strategy really is.

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Why MFA development rarely follows a linear path

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In real-world environments, MFA landscapes rarely develop in a linear fashion. Parallel characteristics often exist, for example:

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  • Modern, strong authentication methods – but only for selected applications
  • A central MFA platform – but with weaker factors remaining
  • Advanced authenticators – with high support costs
  • Passwordless logins – in addition to legacy systems that cannot be integrated

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These hybrid forms are not exceptional cases, but rather reflect the reality of complex IT environments. The maturity model helps to evaluate this situation in a structured manner and clearly identify the most important development steps.

Practical tip

The MFA maturity model provides clear guidance, but it is no substitute for detailed analysis. In practice, it is therefore usefully supplemented by the following factors:

  • Review of the existing system landscape (cloud, on-premises, legacy)
  • Analysis of user groups, roles, and end devices
  • Integration of governance, compliance, and recovery requirements
  • Assessment of user-friendliness, support effort, and risks
  • Assessment of technical integration capability

This forms the basis for a realistic, customized MFA roadmap-tailored precisely to the respective organization.

Get a free, no-obligation consultation!

Discuss your current situation with us to find out which steps make sense for you and which do not.​


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