How to Answer “Do You Require MFA?” on a Security Questionnaire
Your customer asked: “Do you require multi-factor authentication (MFA)?”
The short answer
The reviewer is usually asking whether access requires more than a password and, just as importantly, where that requirement applies. Do not answer “yes” simply because your software supports MFA. Confirm that your company actually requires it for the users and systems in scope.
Educational guidance only. This page does not determine what is true about your company and does not create a security, compliance, testing, or certification claim.
What the customer is really asking
Understand the question before you answer it.
MFA questions are about authentication practice, not product capability. A cloud service may offer MFA while some users, administrators, contractors, or connected systems are not required to use it. Your answer should describe the scope you can verify.
How to answer accurately
Start with the version that matches reality.
If MFA is required
State that it is required only for the population and systems you can support. Identify the scope—for example, workforce accounts, privileged accounts, or specific business systems—and point to the configuration or policy that supports the statement.
If MFA is only partially required
Say that directly. Explain where MFA is required and where it is not. Partial coverage is more accurate than an unqualified “yes.”
If you are not sure
Check the actual identity-provider and application settings. Do not rely on memory, an employee handbook, or the fact that a vendor offers MFA as an option.
A useful answer structure
Status → scope → current practice → supporting information. Start with the direct answer, narrow it to what you can verify, explain how the practice works, and reference evidence only when that evidence actually exists.
Evidence that may help
These are examples, not requirements and not proof that your company has the practice. Use only evidence that really exists and is appropriate to share.
- Identity-provider MFA enforcement settings
- Administrative console configuration
- Access-control or authentication policy
- A current list of systems where MFA is required
What not to say
- “Yes, we use MFA” when it is optional for some users.
- “All accounts require MFA” unless you have verified all relevant account types.
- That MFA is independently tested merely because it is configured.
How Oredra handles this
Answer it once. Keep the truth behind the answer.
Oredra can store the approved scope of your MFA practice so future questionnaire answers do not silently expand from “some systems” to “all systems.”
Inside Oredra, a written policy, stated company practice, implemented control, available evidence, tested control, and independent certification remain distinct. Oredra uses approved information to draft future answers and flags questions that the approved profile cannot support.
Authoritative references
Oredra uses primary guidance where a technical or assurance concept benefits from verification. These references do not determine your company's answer.
Related questionnaire questions
How do you provision user access?
Explain how a person receives access, who approves it, and how the access level is chosen. A written procedure is useful, but do not claim a formal approval workflow if access is actually granted informally.
How do you remove access when an employee or contractor leaves?
Describe who triggers access removal, who performs it, which account types are covered, and any timing you can actually support. Avoid promising immediate or same-day removal unless that is a verified company practice.
Do you follow the principle of least privilege?
Least privilege generally means limiting access to what a person needs for their responsibilities. Before answering “yes,” confirm how permissions are actually assigned and whether broad administrator access or shared accounts create exceptions.