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And sometimes, companies are required to demonstrate that they are using strong authentication techniques. In reality, very real data protection problems lurk in almost every environment. You may believe that your data is already protected and that your company already takes reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access. If no hazard is detected, the user logs on without extra required steps.

If a risk is detected, the system can deploy enhanced authentication techniques, such as new passwords or biometric verifications. Or the system may recognize a routine request from someone who always logs in from that location at the same time. For example, a company may notice multiple login requests from a foreign country during an unusual time of day. How often has the user tried to log in previously?Ĭlear risks may emerge. Others use a risk-based authentication method to verify only those requests that seem somehow suspect.ĭuring a login request, the system assesses: Some companies use strong authentication techniques to verify every login request. Today’s security threats require much more robust protection measures. Passwords alone are not enough, as the only security measure standing in the way of total compromise is a string of input characters. But we live in a world where apps contain confidential, personally identifiable information we must protect. Logging on via this method takes time and a few extra steps. The person creates and memorizes a unique set of numbers and letters used to access the system.Īfter typing in the correct password, a secondary string of letters and numbers is sent to the user's registered smartphone.Īfter tapping in the second set of details, the user can get into the system. And one element isn't ever reused, so it's nearly impossible to steal.Ĭonsider this simplified strong authentication process using an SMS One-time Passcode (OTP):

Compromising one leaves the other intact, so systems stay safe. Strong authentication techniques combine two independent factors to confirm someone's identity and access. Strong authentication techniques build on that foundation. The username/password combination has been the standard authentication mechanism for decades. Rather than making it easy for anyone to move through your systems and tap into resources, you add a few extra hoops to ensure that your users are who they say they are and access only what you have deemed appropriate.

Strong authentication techniques put security first. Anything you do to confirm permissions is an authentication step. You might ask users to type in a password or respond to a quick quiz before you open the gates. Most companies demand proof before allowing access to digital assets. Strong authentication is a way of confirming a user’s identity when passwords are not enough.

Portals and vortals are sometimes considered a type of specialized search engine