← GLBA · Safeguards Rule (16 CFR 314)

314.4(c)(5) — Multi-factor authentication for any individual accessing information systems

critical mfaauthentication

Requirement

Multi-factor authentication is implemented for any individual accessing any information system, unless the Qualified Individual has approved in writing the use of reasonably equivalent or more secure access controls.

What the engine looks for

Every group below must be satisfied — by an affirmative statement, not a plan, a hedge or a denial — for the control to count as covered. A term ending in … matches any word it begins. Supporting terms do not change the verdict — they raise confidence and distinguish a policy that names a mechanism from one that gestures at a category.

Required element 1 — any one of
mfamulti-factormultifactortwo-factor2fa
Required element 2 — any one of
any individualall usersall staffall employeesall accessinformation systeminformation systemsrequiredenforcedcustomers
Supporting terms — specificity signals
314.4(c)(5)phishing-resistantwritten approvalequivalent
Contradiction markers

Finding any of these outranks coverage — a policy that admits the gap is worse than silence.

no mfa mfa is optional mfa is not required

Equivalent controls elsewhere

Matched on shared topics. Satisfying this control usually moves these too.

FrameworkControlTitleShared topics
ISO 27001 A.5.17 Authentication information authentication mfa
ISO 27001 A.8.5 Secure authentication authentication mfa
PCI DSS 4.0.1 8.4 Multi-factor authentication into the CDE and for remote access mfa authentication
HIPAA 164.312(d) Person or entity authentication (R) authentication mfa
NIST CSF 2.0 PR.AA-03 Users, services and hardware are authenticated authentication mfa
ISO 27001 A.5.15 Access control authentication
PCI DSS 4.0.1 8.3 Strong authentication factors authentication
PCI DSS 4.0.1 8.6 System and application accounts are managed authentication