Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system before granting access.

Understanding Authentication

Authentication serves as the first line of defense in information security, acting as a gatekeeper for access to systems and data. It verifies identity through various factors and methods, establishing trust before granting access privileges.

Authentication Factors

1. Knowledge Factors (Something You Know)

Passwords and passphrases
Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
Security questions
Pattern locks

2. Possession Factors (Something You Have)

Security tokens
Smart cards
Mobile devices
Hardware keys (FIDO/U2F)

3. Inherence Factors (Something You Are)

Fingerprints
Facial recognition
Retinal scans
Voice recognition

Implementation Technologies

1. Password-Based Systems

Hashing algorithms
Salt implementation
Password policies
Account lockout mechanisms

2. Biometric Systems

Enrollment processes
Template storage
Matching algorithms
False acceptance/rejection rates

3. Token-Based Systems

Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
Hardware security keys
Software tokens
Certificate-based authentication