Authentication Factors

Authentication Factors:
An authentication may require administrators to implement one factor of authentication for basic authentication, two factors for more authentication and more factors for higher security. In this section we will discussed the authentication factors that an organization can use for secure authentication

Something you know:
It refers to a shared secret, such as a password or even a PIN. It is the least secure authentication factor. However organizations can increase the security of password by implementing the strong password policy.

Something you have:
It refers to the something you physically hold. It includes smart cards, CAC(Common Access Cards) and hardware token.

Something you are:
It refers to the use of biometrics for authentication. It is the strongest form of authentication because they are most difficult for an attacker to falsify.

Somewhere you are:
It refers to the identification of a user based on the user’s geo location. But it is not foolproof because there are many VPNs available to change the location of individuals. It is possible to use the computer name or MAC for somewhere you are factor.

Something you do:
It refers to the actions you can take such as gestures on a touch screen. Gestures include tapping in specific places on the picture, drawing lines between items with a finger or drawing circle around an item such as someone’s head.

Dual-Factor vs Multi Factor Authentication:
Dual Factor authentication is sometimes referred to as two factor authentication. It uses two different factors of authentication, such as something you have and something you know. Dual factor authentication often uses a smart card and a PIN, a USB token and a PIN. Multi Factor authentication uses two or more factors of authentication. It combines the something you know with other one or more factors of authentication.

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