Step-up Authentication.
A pattern where the application requires additional authentication factors when the user attempts a sensitive operation (transfers, payment changes, factor reset).
Step-up at sensitive actions is the most-effective single defense against session-hijack-then-pivot attacks. An attacker with a stolen session token still has to defeat the step-up challenge before transferring funds or changing recovery factors. Most B2B SaaS in 2026 deploys step-up at the high-value operations even when the rest of the session uses adaptive entry.
Common questions
When should I use step-up vs always-on MFA?
How is step-up different from re-authentication?
Does step-up help against session hijacking?
Related terms
In the guides
Account Takeover Defense: A Layered Approach for 2026
ATO is the single largest CIAM threat in 2026. The defense stack is layered, credential stuffing protection, MFA, session management, and recovery design, each addressing a different attack class.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A 2026 Practitioner's Guide
How to roll out MFA in CIAM in 2026: factor selection, adoption, recovery design, anti-patterns, and where SMS OTP no longer meets the standard.