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What is two-factor verification?
The blog below will tell you all you need to know about two-factor verification, including what it is, how it works and how you can set it up for your primary services.
What Is 2FA?
The two-factor authentication (2FA), also called two-step verification or an added security measure, is used for logging in to websites and apps.
If 2FA is activated, you'll be asked to input an extra code. This can be sent directly to your phone or a token you insert into your computer. You will also need to enter your password to log in.
It is much more difficult for anyone to access your account, even if you know their password.
It is essential to use 2FA as it will make it more difficult for anyone to access your account even if you have given them your password and username.
Hackers would have to enter your password, username, and code sent to your mobile phone or your physical token to gain access to your account. This makes it less likely for your account to be compromised.
It isn't foolproof, but it is an effective deterrent to hackers. 2FA has become more common. It is a great idea to use 2FA.
Many websites and services offer 2FA as an optional measure of security. We recommend that you enable 2FA if your account security is a concern.
Understanding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
In order to prevent unwanted users from accessing an account with just a password, two-factor authentication is used.
The risk that users' passwords are compromised is more remarkable than they think, especially if they have the same password for multiple sites. Password theft can occur when an individual downloads software or clicks on links within emails.
The two-factor method of authentication combines the following elements:
- You know something (your password).
- You have something (such as an authenticator smartphone app or a message with a unique code sent to your phone or another device).
- You are what you do (biometrics with your face, fingerprint or retina).
It isn't just for online use. 2FA is used when a customer is asked to enter their ZIP code at a gasoline pump before they can use their credit card or when a person is required by their employer to log in remotely using an RSA SecureID key fob.
Security experts suggest enabling 2-factor authentication wherever possible, including email accounts, password managers, social media apps, cloud storage, financial services and other services.
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Examples
Apple users can enable 2FA to restrict access from untrusted devices. Apple sends a code to an iPhone or other device that the user can use to access their iCloud.
Many companies also use 2FA to control access to their networks and data. Some remote desktop programs require employees to input an extra code to access their computers outside the office.
Special Considerations
2FA is an excellent way to improve account security, but it's not foolproof. Even if hackers can obtain the authentication factors, they can still access accounts without authorization.
Phishing attacks, account recovery processes, and malware are all common ways of doing this.
Hackers are also able to intercept the text messages sent for 2FA. Text messages say critics aren't a fundamental form of 2FA because they don't come from the sender but are already in the recipient's hands.
Critics argue this should instead be called "two-step authentication". Some companies, such as Google, use this term.
Even two-step authentication is better than password protection. Multifactor authentication is even more robust, requiring more than just two factors to gain account access.
What Is An Authentication Factor?
There are multiple ways to authenticate someone using different authentication methods. Most authentication methods today rely on a knowledge factor, like a password.
Two-factor authentication adds either an ownership factor or an inherence factor.
The following are the authentication factors in order of their adoption by computing:
- Knowledge factors are things that the user is aware of, like a PIN, password or other shared secrets.
- Possession factors are things that the user has, such as a phone, an app for a smartphone or mobile device, and ID cards.
- Biometric factors, or inherence factors, are inherent to the physical identity of a user. Personal attributes may be mapped using physical features, like fingerprints authenticated by a fingerprint scanner. Facial and voice recognition or behavioral biometrics such as keystroke patterns, gait, or speech patterns are also commonly used.
- Location factors are usually indicated by the place from which authentication attempts have been made. It is possible to enforce this by restricting authentication attempts only to specific devices or locations or tracking the geographical source of the authentication attempt using the Internet Protocol Address or other geolocation data such as GPS, which can be derived from a user's phone or device.
- The time factor limits the user's authentication to an agreed-upon period for logging in. It prevents them from accessing the system outside that time frame.
MultifactorMultifactor Authentication (MFA) can provide a more secure level of authentication by using two or three independent credentials.
How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?
The application and vendor you use will determine how to enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication involves the same multistep general process.
- Apps or websites prompt the user to sign in.
- The user usually enters the username and password. After the server of the website finds the match, it recognizes you.
- The website creates a unique security key for processes that do not require passwords. The key is processed by the authentication tool, which then validates the data on the server.
- This site will then ask the user to complete the second login step. This step may take many forms, but the user must prove they possess something they only own, like biometrics or a mobile phone. The inherence factor is also known as the possession or ownership element.
- After that, you may be asked to enter the one-time codes generated in step 4.
- Once the user has provided both factors, they are granted access to an application or website.
Two-Factor Authentication: Elements
MFA is also known as two-factor authentication. It is used when two authentication factors are needed to access a service or system.
If you use two factors that are not from the same group, it isn't considered 2FA. For example, the requirement of a password and a secret shared is still classified under SFA because they are both knowledge authentication factors.
SFA is not secure when it comes to usernames and passwords. Password-based authentication is problematic because it takes knowledge and effort to remember and create strong passwords.
Protecting passwords from insider threats such as old hard drives, sticky notes with login details, and social engineering attacks is essential. External threats such as brute force, dictionary, or rainbow table attacks can also be used to compromise passwords.
With enough resources and time, an attacker can breach the password-based system and steal data from a company. Because of the low cost and ease of use, passwords are still used as a form of SFA.
If implemented correctly, multiple challenge-response questions can increase security. Separate biometric verification can be a safer method for SFA.
Also read: How To Protect Ourselves From Biggest Cyber Threat?
Two-Factor Authentication: Types And Applications
You can implement 2FA using various devices, from RFID cards and tokens to smartphone apps. There are two main categories of products that use Two-factor Authentication:
- Tokens are tokens given to the users for use in logging on;
- Infrastructure or software recognizes users' correct use of tokens and allows them to access their accounts.
These authentication tokens can be physical objects, like key fobs, smart cards or mobile apps, which generate PIN codes for authentication.
The authentication codes are also called one-time passwords; authentication devices or apps can verify them. This code can only be used once to authenticate a device, account or user.
The organization must deploy a system that accepts, processes, and grants or denies users access based on their tokens.
It can be implemented as server software, a dedicated server, or a hosted service.
A key aspect of 2FA involves ensuring that the authenticated users have access to only the resources they are approved for.
A key feature of 2FA involves linking an authentication system to the organization's data. Microsoft offers some infrastructure for Windows 10 2FA support through Windows Hello. This can be used with Microsoft Accounts and authenticates users using Microsoft Active Directory or Fast IDentity Online.
Hardware Tokens For 2FA
Different hardware tokens support 2FA. The YubiKey is a popular USB device. It supports OTPs, public key authentication and encryption, and the Universal 2nd Factor Protocol is based in Palo Alto.
By placing their YubiKey in their USB port, inputting their password, and clicking on the YubiKey box, users of a YubiKey can log into an online service that accepts OTPs, such as Gmail or WordPress.
Afterwards they make contact with the YubiKey button. The YubiKey creates an OTP, which is entered in the field.
OTPs are 44-character passwords that can only be used once. The first 12 characters represent the unique security key associated with an account.
The 32 remaining characters are encrypted with a secret key that can only be accessed by the Yubico servers and the device during initial registration.
Two-Factor Authentication Via SMS Text Message And Voice-Based
The SMS-based 2-factor authentication interacts with the user's mobile phone. After receiving the username and password, the site will send a one-time code (OTP).
The OTP is entered into the app, just like the hardware token. Voice-based 2FA also automatically calls a user to deliver the code. Although uncommon, this method is still employed where mobile phones are costly or cell services are poor.
If you are only doing a low-risk online activity, then authentication via text or voice could be enough. This level of 2-factor authentication may not be sufficient for sites that hold your data, such as utility companies, banks or email accounts.
It is a fact that SMS authentication has been deemed the least secure method of authenticating users. Many companies upgrade their security to move beyond SMS-based 2-FA.
Use Software Tokens To 2FA
One of the most common forms of two-factor verification (and an alternative to voice and SMS) is a time-based one-time code generated by software (also known as TOTP or "soft token").
A user first must install the free app 2FA on their smartphone. The app can be used with any website that offers this authentication.
The user enters their username, password and, if prompted, enters the code displayed on the app. Soft tokens are typically only valid for a few minutes, just like hardware tokens. Soft tokens are safer than hardware tokens because they generate and display the code on the same machine.
This is a significant concern when using SMS or voice methods.
App-based solutions for 2FA are now available on mobile devices, desktops and wearables. They can even be used offline.
Push Notifications For 2FA
Instead of waiting for the token to be received and entered, apps and websites can send a notification via push that an authentication attempt has been made.
Device owners can view and approve or deny the information with just a touch. This is password-free authentication, with no codes or additional interactions required.
Push notifications eliminate any chance of phishing attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks or unauthorized access by establishing a secure and direct connection between the retailer and 2FA.
It only works on an internet-connected, app-capable device. In areas with low smartphone penetration or unreliable internet, SMS-based 2-FA is a good fallback option. Push notifications are a better option for security, especially if they're available.
Two-Factor Authentication For Mobile Devices
Companies can choose from a range of smartphone 2FA features. Some devices recognize fingerprints and can use their built-in facial or iris recognition cameras.
In contrast, others use the microphone to detect voices. GPS-equipped smartphones can be used to verify a device's location as an extra factor. SMS or Voice Message Service can also be used for authentication outside the band.
Verification codes can be sent to a trusted number via automated telephone calls or text messages. To enroll in Mobile 2FA, the user must verify at least one trusted number.
Apple iOS, Google Android, and Windows 10 have all developed apps which support 2FA. This allows the phone to be used as the device required to prove possessionApps that provide authentication codes replace sending a code by text message, phone call, or email.
To access a web service or website that uses Google Authenticator, for example, the user must enter their username and password - a knowledge element.
The user is then asked to enter a 6-digit number. An authenticator will generate the six-digit number instead of waiting moments to get a message. The numbers are generated every 30 seconds and differ every time you log in.
Entering the correct number completes the authentication process and demonstrates device ownership.
The 2FA product information provided here and in other 2FA-related products details the minimum requirements for 2FA implementation.
Is Two-Factor Authentication Secure?
Although two-factor verification does increase security, 2FA systems are only as safe as the weakest part.
Hardware tokens, for example, depend on the security provided by the manufacturer or issuer. In 2011, RSA Security revealed that its SecurID tokens were compromised. This was one of the highest-profile compromises of a two-factor authentication system.
Account recovery can be used as a way to bypass two-factor authentication. It resets the current password of the user.
It sends an email with a temporary password, allowing the user to log in again. This hack was used to compromise the business Gmail account of Cloudflare's chief executive.
SMS-based 2-FA may be easy to use, inexpensive and user-friendly, but it's vulnerable to several attacks. In its 800-63-3 Digital Identity Guidelines, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has warned against SMS-based 2FA.
NIST has concluded that OTPs that are sent by SMS can be vulnerable to attacks such as mobile number portability, mobile network attacks and malware that intercepts or redirects text messages.
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Future Of Authentication
Three-factor authentication is a good option for environments that need higher levels of security. It involves a token, a password, and biometric information, like fingerprints or voiceprints.
Geolocation, device type and the time of day can also be used to determine whether a user is authenticated. In addition, biometric behavioral identifiers such as keystroke lengths, typing speeds, and mouse movements can be monitored discreetly in real-time to provide continuous authentication rather than a one-off authentication during login.
The most used authentication technique is still passwords. However, they do not always provide the level of security and user experience companies or their users require.
Even though traditional security tools such as password managers and multi factor multi factor authentication (MFA) attempt to solve the problem of usernames & passwords, these tools rely on an outdated architecture: password databases.
Many organizations have opted for passwordless authentication. Users can authenticate securely in applications using biometrics or secure protocols without inputting passwords.
This allows employees to access work without entering passwords while IT controls every login. Blockchain, such as through self-sovereign or decentralized identities, has also gained attention in recent years and is a viable alternative to traditional authentication methods.
Conclusion
Two-factor authentication is a necessity in the modern world. Everyone needs to use two-factor verification to secure their online accounts.
Most people are not aware of the advantages of two-factor verification.
