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Authentication

Authentication is a cybersecurity measure to verify that individuals or entities are who they claim to be during digital interactions. Its purpose is to confirm identity and prevent unauthorized access.

Analogy: Authentication Test

  • Receiving a letter from an official agency (e.g. IRS) with identifying information (official stamps, social security number, etc.) is trusted over an anonymous letter.
  • This comparison highlights how authentication works to verify legitimacy.

Five Common Authentication Methods

  1. Something You Know (Knowledge Factor)

    • Relies on information the user knows, such as a password or PIN.
    • Most common example: username and password combinations.

  2. Something You Have (Possession Factor)

    • Involves a physical item the user presents, like an ID badge or a one-time code sent to a smartphone.
    • Example: security badges or SMS codes.

  3. Something You Are (Inherence Factor)

    • Based on unique physical or behavioral traits, known as biometric authentication.
    • Examples: facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

  4. Something You Do (Action Factor)

    • Uses a unique action, like a secret handshake or a specific way of typing.
    • Example: handwriting analysis or walking style.

  5. Somewhere You Are (Location Factor)

    • Relies on a specific geographic location.
    • Example: geofencing, such as limiting access based on proximity to a specific area.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combining two or more of the above factors for stronger security.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Using exactly two factors.
  • MFA ensures that even if one factor is compromised, access still requires another secure factor.

Importance of Authentication

  1. Preventing Unauthorized Access

    • Strong authentication models help protect systems from unauthorized users, like bank accounts requiring secure logins.

  2. Protecting User Data and Privacy

    • Authentication ensures that sensitive information is accessed only by authorized individuals, protecting user privacy.
    • Example: access to personal health records through secure patient portals.

  3. Ensuring Resource Validity

    • Controls access to shared resources, such as cloud storage or network bandwidth, so only valid users can access these resources.