What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Why Is It Important To Use It

Even the most complex password can be hacked or forgotten. To prevent your data from being stolen, it is worth using two-factor identification or 2FA in social networks, mail, and any other services. Read this short article to understand what is two-factor authentication and why is it important to use it.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

An access control method that requires the user to have two components at the same time. In addition to the traditional login and password, the two-factor principle involves confirming the user’s identity with what he has. It can be a smart card, a token, OTP key fobs, biometric sensors, and so on. Most often, a mobile phone is used for the second stage of identification, to which a one-time access code is sent.

Also, human biometric data can be used as a second identifier like a fingerprint, iris, etc. In access control systems, combined (multi-format) readers are used for this, which work both with various types of cards and with the biometric parameters of users.

This feature greatly improves security. It is much more difficult for attackers who may need your data for various reasons to gain access to your password, as well as a phone, email, or other authentication methods at the same time. If only the password is used, the account remains vulnerable. Passwords are easily leaked to the Web, and not always through the fault of the user.

Why Is It Important To Use It

In the fall of 2016, SecureAuth Corporation, together with Wakefield Research, conducted a survey of 200 IT department heads in the United States. The study found that 69% of organizations are likely to give up passwords within the next five years.

Craig Lund, CEO of SecureAuth says

“In today’s increasingly digital world, even many traditional two-factor authentication approaches, not to mention single-factor password-based authentication, are no longer sufficient. The costs associated with cyberattacks cost millions of dollars a year – it is in the interest of everyone to make unauthorized access is the most problematic,”

99% of respondents agreed that two-factor authentication is the best way to protect access rights. At the same time, only 56% of respondents protect their assets using multifactorial methods. 42% – as the reasons hindering the improvement of the identification strategy, they name resistance from company leaders and violation of the traditional way for users.

Other reasons for not adopting an improved authentication strategy:

• Lack of resources to support maintenance
• The need to train employees
• Fears that improvements will not work

Two-Factor Authentication Methods

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a more secure method than relying on just one factor, such as a password, as it makes it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to a system or account. Here are some common types of two-factor authentication methods:

1. SMS-Based Authentication

This method involves sending a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to the user’s registered mobile number. The user enters this OTP along with their password to complete the authentication process. SMS-based authentication is easy to implement and widely used, but it is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks or interception of the SMS message.

2. Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP)

TOTP is a time-based authentication method that generates a six-digit OTP that changes every 30 seconds. The user must have a TOTP generator app installed on their phone, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. The user enters the OTP along with their password to complete the authentication process. TOTP is more secure than SMS-based authentication, but it requires users to have a smartphone or similar device.

3. Push Notifications

This method sends a push notification to the user’s registered device, asking them to confirm or deny the login attempt. The user can simply tap on the “approve” button to complete the authentication process. Push notification authentication is fast and convenient, but it requires users to have a smartphone or similar device.

4. Hardware Tokens

Hardware tokens are small devices that generate a unique OTP when a button is pressed. The user must enter this OTP along with their password to complete the authentication process. Hardware tokens are very secure, but they can be expensive and require users to carry an additional device.

5. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication involves using the user’s physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scanning, to verify their identity. This authentication is very secure, but it requires specialized hardware, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras. Here are some common types of biometric authentication:

a) Retina Authentication

Retina authentication is a method of verifying an individual’s identity based on the unique patterns of blood vessels in their retina. The retina is located at the back of the eye and contains a network of blood vessels that form a unique pattern that is specific to each individual. Retina authentication uses specialized cameras to capture high-resolution images of the individual’s retina and then compares these images to a stored database of retina patterns to verify their identity.

Retina authentication is a highly accurate and secure method of authentication. The pattern of blood vessels in the retina is unique to each individual and cannot be easily replicated or forged. Retina biometric authentication also has the advantage of being non-intrusive and non-contact, as the individual does not need to touch any sensors or devices to complete the authentication process.

b) Fingerprint Authentication

Fingerprint authentication is one of the oldest and most widely used biometric authentication methods. It involves scanning an individual’s fingerprint and comparing it to a stored database of fingerprints to verify their identity.

c) Face Authentication

Face authentication is a biometric recognition method that uses facial features to identify individuals. It involves capturing an individual’s face using a camera and comparing it to a stored database of facial images to verify their identity.

d) Iris Authentication

Iris authentication is a biometric recognition method that uses unique patterns in an individual’s iris to identify them. It involves capturing an individual’s iris using a specialized camera and comparing it to a stored database of iris images to verify their identity.

e) Voice Authentication

Voice authentication is a biometric recognition method that uses an individual’s unique voice pattern to identify them. It involves analyzing an individual’s voice using specialized software and comparing it to a stored database of voice patterns to verify their identity.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, securing our personal information and sensitive data is more important than ever. Two-factor authentication methods can help provide an additional layer of security and protect against unauthorized access to our accounts and systems. However, it is important to remember that no security measure is foolproof, and attackers are constantly developing new methods to circumvent them. As Fujitsu’s head of technology, Vivek Mahajan warns: Cracking passwords in seconds could be a reality with Quantum computers.

Organizations and individuals should regularly review their security protocols and ensure they are using the most appropriate and up-to-date authentication methods to protect their sensitive data. It is also important to remain vigilant and stay informed about potential threats and vulnerabilities in order to take proactive steps to mitigate them.