Authentication Methods

What Is Authentication?

Authentication is the process of identifying users that request access to a system, network, server,
app, website, or device. The primary goal of authentication is to ensure that a user is who they claim
to be. User A, for example, has access to only relevant information and is unable to see User B’s
personal information. Unauthorized users are prevented from accessing sensitive data with user
authentication. Authentication improves security by allowing any Organizational admin to manage an
individual user’s identity and access. The basic authentication used for identity and access control
verification is username and password, with different types of authentication techniques that we
shall cover moving forward.

Why Is User Authentication Important?

There is no organization, system, network, website, or server in today’s modern world that does not
require some form of authentication. If they are not, they are putting themselves at risk of attacks
that could result in the misappropriation of their resources and sensitive data at the very least. A
single blunder may expose your organization’s data to cybercriminals, as they are always prepared
with a variety of cyber weaponry, such as (Phishing, Data breaches, spoofing, etc). When your
authentication system isn’t up to par, they can quickly get access and steal information. A few of the
most recent major attacks will lead you to the conclusion that, whether you are a little business or a
large corporation, authentication using the finest security techniques is a must to stay stable in this
technological environment.

Different types of Authentication

When it comes to authentication and security, there is a vast ocean of different authentication
options to choose from. Before adopting or choosing any of the authentication methods for your
Organization’s employees or end-users, you should be aware of a few key factors that will help you
choose the most appropriate authentication technique for you:

1. Password Based Login:

The most commonly utilized regular login authentication system that you will employ on a daily basis
while utilizing an online service is password-based login. You need to input a combination of your
username/mobile number and a password when using the Password-Based Authentication
technique. The individual is authorized only when both of these elements have been verified.
However, because today’s customers use multiple online services (apps and websites), it’s tough to
keep track of all of their usernames and passwords. As a result of this, end-users engage in unethical
behaviors such as forgetting passwords, using the same password for several services, and so on.
Cybercriminals enter at this point and begin actions such as phishing, data breaches, and so on.
That is the fundamental reason why standard password-based authentication is losing favor and
more organizations are turning to advanced additional security authentication factors.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method in which an individual must pass

multiple factors in order to gain access to a service or network. It’s an extra layer of security on top of
the standard password-based login. Individuals must also submit a second factor in the form of a
one-time code that they will receive through phone or email in addition to their Username and
Password.

You may quickly configure several Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) methods to give an extra layer
of security to your resources. OTP/TOTP via SMS, OTP/TOTP over Email, Push notification,
Hardware Token, and Mobile Authenticator are all examples of MFA methods (Google, Microsoft,
Authy, etc). You can choose any of the MFA techniques and implement them for organizational
security based on your needs and requirements. After traditional password-based login, Multi-Factor
Authentication is the most trusted authentication mechanism. For improved security, password-
based traditional authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication methods are usually used
simultaneously.

3. Biometric Authentication:

Individual physical attributes such as fingerprints, palms, retinas, voice, face, and voice recognition
are used in biometric authentication. Biometric authentication works in the following way: first, the
physical characteristics of individuals are saved in a database. Individuals’ physical features are
checked against the data contained in the database whenever a user wants to access any device or
physically enter any premises (Organization, School, Colleges, Workplace). Biometric authentication
technology is mostly employed by private organizations, airports, and border crossing points where
security is a top priority. Because of its capacity to create a high level of security and a user-friendly
frictionless flow, biometrics is one of the most often used security technologies. Among the most
common biometric authentication methods are:

• Fingerprint: To enable access, fingerprint authentication matches the unique pattern of an

individual’s print. In some advanced Fingerprint authentication systems, the vascular structure
of the finger is also sensed. Because it is one of the most user-friendly and accurate biometric
systems, fingerprint authentication is currently the most common biometric technology for
ordinary customers. Biometrics’ popularity can be due to the fact that you use your mobile
phones with fingerprints on a regular basis, as well as companies or institutions that use
Fingerprint authentication.
• 2. Retina & Iris: Scanners shine a strong light into the eye and look for distinctive patterns in
the colorful ring around the pupil of the eye in this biometric. After that, the scanned pattern is
compared to data recorded in a database. When a person wears spectacles or contact lenses,
eye-based authentication can be inaccurate.
• Facial: In facial authentication, multiple aspects of an individual’s face are scanned while they
try to get access to a certain resource. When comparing faces from different angles or persons
that look similar, such as family members, face recognition results can be inconsistent.
• Voice Recognition: Your voice tone is stored with a standardized secret code in the same way
that the above-mentioned approach does. A check occurs because you must speak off each time
you want access.

4. Certificate-based authentication:

Certificate-based authentication identifies people, servers, workstations, and devices by using an

electronic digital identity. In our daily lives, a digital certificate functions similarly to a driver’s license
or a passport. A certificate is made up of a user’s digital identity, which contains a public key and a
certification authority’s digital signature. This certificate verifies that the public key and the person
who issued the certificate are both the same person. When a user attempts to log in to a server, they
must first present their digital certificate. The server checks the digital certificate’s identity and
credibility by confirming that the user has a correctly associated private key with the certificate using
cryptography.

5. Token-Based Authentication:

Token-Based Authentication allows users to enter their credentials only once and obtain a one-of-a-
kind encrypted string exchange in return. After that, you won’t have to input your credentials every
time you want to log in or acquire access. The digital token ensures that you have already been
granted access. Most use cases, such as Restful APIs that are accessed by many frameworks and
clients, require token-based authentication.
How will miniOrange advance Authentication technologies will help you out?

As we get to know more about different types of Authentication, we will move forward with some
advanced Authentication Solutions that miniOrange provides with “All in one Approach”. It will help
you to Manage Identities and access both with advanced security features.

1. Single Sign-On Authentication (SSO):

Single Sign-On is a subset of basic username-password-based Authentication. Going with SSO

authentication will provide advanced security and multiple features with frictionless experience to
your end-users. Single Sign-On as the name depicts allows individuals to enter their username and
password once and get access to all configured applications. Simply stating you will have the
provision to configure “N no apps” with miniOrange and you can set a single password for all these
apps. With this, you don’t need to remember multiple passwords for different applications and you
just need to login once and you will automatically get access to all applications. The benefit for this
will include – As users need to remember just a single password they will not forget it or write it on
any sticky notes type of stuff. Access to multiple applications will become easier which will improve
efficiency and boost productivity. From the admin end, they will receive fewer support calls for
password resets and login issues.

2. 2nd Factor Authentication (Two-Factor Authentication):

As the name implies, “two-factor authentication” requires an individual to pass two separate
authentication procedures in order to gain access to a certain resource.Consider the following
scenario: you have a website/app/group of applications and you want to add more protection to it to
prevent current cyber assaults such as data breaches, phishing, or the use of key loggers. With
miniOrange, you can configure any app/website built on any platform and enable 2FA for that
application. One Time Passwords (OTP through SMS/ Email), Push Notifications, Biometrics,
Authenticators (Google Microsoft,Authy), Yubikey and Hardware Token, and more 2FA options are
available from miniOrange.According to one of the most recent security surveys, 2FA can prevent
80% of data breaches.

3. Adaptive Authentication:

Adaptive Authentication is a type of authentication that adapts to the circumstances.” Adaptive

Authentication,” a more advanced kind of 2FA/MFA authentication, is introduced. You can
authenticate users depending on their “IP, Device, Location, Device, and Time of Access” in this
section. If IP and Location-based authentication are enabled, after entering the username and
password, Adaptive Authentication will check if the user’s IP is the same as the one used by the
administrator and whether he is in the location to which he has been assigned. If he does not comply,
he will be denied access to the resources. This is one of the most advanced authentication methods
used by businesses to ensure their security.

4. API Authentication:

Now-a-days, API has become a popular model because it handles large volumes of data and is a new
dimension to the online security world. There are many API authentication methods, the most
popular of them are HTTP Basic Auth, API keys, OAuth.

5. HTTP Basic Authentication:

To prove their authenticity, a user agent just offers a username and password. Because it believes in
the HTTP header itself, this solution does not require cookies, session IDs, or login pages.

6. API Passwords:

An API key is a unique identifier for web service requests that identifies their source (or similar types
of requests).When a user attempts to get allowed access to a system for the first time through
registration, a key is produced.Following that, the API key is paired with a secret token and is
submitted with subsequent queries.When a user tries to re-enter the system, their unique key is used
to verify that they are the same person who used the system previously.
 7. OAuth:

OAuth is a popular API authentication technique that allows for both authentication and
authorization.OAuth allows the API to authenticate and access the system or resource requested by
establishing scope.

https://www.miniorange.com/blog/different-types-of-authentication-methods-for-security/

What Is Biometric Authentication?

Biometric authentication is defined as a security measure that matches the biometric features of a
user looking to access a device or a system. Access to the system is granted only when the
parameters match those stored in the database for that particular user. Biometric characteristics
are the physical and biological features unique to every individual. These are saved in a database and
can be easily compared to the user attempting to access the data or device. Such biometric
authentication can be placed in various physical environments such as doors, gates, server rooms,
military bases, airports, and ports. Today, biometric authentication tools have become a part of most
consumer devices, particularly computers and smartphones.

Types of biometric authentication

1. Fingerprint scanners

Fingerprint scanners — the most common form of biometric authentication method — scan the swirls
and ridges unique to every person’s fingertips. Current technological advances have resulted in
scanners that go beyond fingerprint ridges to scan for vascular patterns. This has helped bring down
false positives that occasionally occur with consumer-grade biometric options found on smartphones.
Fingerprint scanners continue to remain the most accessible and popular.

2. Facial recognition

Like the fingerprint scanner, facial recognition technology scans a face based on approved and stored
parameters and measurements. These parameters are collectively called faceprints. Access is granted
only when a large number of them are satisfied. Despite the inconsistency in matching faces to
parameters from different angles or distinguishing between similar or related people, facial
recognition is included in several smart devices. Also Read: What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Definition, Key Components, and Best Practices.
 3. Voice recognition

This version of scanning technologies focuses on vocal characteristics to distinguish one person from
another. A voice is captured to a database, and several data points are recorded as parameters for a
voiceprint. Vocal recognition technologies focus more on mouth and throat shape formation and
sound qualities than merely listening to a voice. This helps reduce the chances of misreading a voice
imitation attempt.

4. Eye scanners

Eye scanners include retina and iris scanners. A retina scanner projects a bright light at an eye to
highlight blood vessel patterns that a scanner can read. These readings are compared to the
information saved in the database. Iris scanners evaluate unique patterns in the colored ring of the
pupil. Both scanner forms are ideal for hands-free verification. However, they can be unreliable if a
person wears contact lenses or spectacles.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is defined as a form of security that necessitates two or more
credentials to authenticate an individual’s identity. They can be passwords, hardware tokens,
numerical codes, biometrics, specific times, or even locations. The main benefit of multiple
credentials is that even if one factor is compromised, the overall authentication process remains
secure. The most common MFA factors are one-time passwords (OTPs) which are 4 to 8 digit codes
received through email, SMS, or even through mobile apps. There are three main types of MFA
authentication methods:

• Knowledge: For example, a password or a pin.

• Possession: A badge with a code or a smartphone to receive OTPs.
• Inherence: Biometric recognition methods of fingerprints, voice, or eye scanners.

With MFA increasingly integrating with machine learning and artificial intelligence, authentication
methods now include location, where a user trying to gain access will have their IP address and geo-
location looked into. There is also risk-based authentication where the system analyzes additional
factors such as the device, the time of access, the internet connection, etc. Risk levels and
authentication protocols are assessed based on these.

What is Multimodal Biometric Authentication?

First, we need to understand what a unimodal biometric authentication system is. Essentially it’s a
system that verifies only one distinct characteristic, e.g face, retina. However, this system is very
susceptible to spoofing.

This is where multimodal biometric authentication comes into play. It’s an approach in which various
biometrics are checked during identity verification. This makes it harder for a malicious hacker to
spoof.

An example of multimodal authentication: A hacker may be able to find a person’s photo on the
internet, which they then use to successfully trick a facial recognition system into thinking it’s the
actual user. If the system just had the one authentication, then the users accounts would be hacked.
However, if the system requires the user to provide additional authentication such as a video of the
person saying their password, then the hacker is very unlikely to find it.

By combining physical and behavioral authentication, you can enhance your security posture. Even
if a malicious actor manages to spoof a fingerprint, the system can detect change in behavior and
deny entry. E.g., their speed of interaction with the system may be slower than the real user, or they
are using keyboard shortcuts that the real user never used.