It is quite hard to picture a world without cell phones but it existed. Before mobile phones came into the picture, cyber security was about protecting the PC and its user. The default user logins have always been passwords, but nowadays passwords are theweakest link. Too many times, we have heard stories of stolen passwords or those that are easily guessable. Malicious code and viruses also have a part to play in obtaining user passwords. However, the biggest concern that most users have is when to know that their passwords have been compromised.
Related Post:5 reasons why you need multi-factor authentication
Two-Factor Authentication
This has been around for a while now and it adds a layer of security to the login sequence. All you have to do is add a second factor to the username/password combo. To understand the two factor authentication process, you should know how users are authenticated. There are three primary methods:
- Knowledge – something that only the user knows such as the username and password
- Possession – something that a user has in his/her possession such as a mobile phone, physical card, or security token
- Inherence – a characteristic that is unique to that particular user such as a fingerprint or any other biometric trait.
Two-factor authentication combines two of the above methods. Most companies combine knowledge and possession in two-factor authentication. This is because inherence is expensive to implement and has a complicated roll out. Moreover, the end users tend to have a hard time using biometric scanners.
When applying the first two techniques, two-factor authentication requires something the user owns and something the user knows. The device that the user owns will generate a pass code that is received via SMS, secure email, or voice.
Here are the different token methods through which a user obtains a pass code:
- SMS
- Voice
- Smart phone
- PC or Mac
The Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication
Improved security – by asking the user for a second form of identification, SMS two-factor authentication reduces the chances that an attacker can pretend to be the user and gain access to sensitive resources. Even if a hacker manages to access the password, it will be impossible to access any account without a pass code.
Increase flexibility and productivity – more businesses are embracing mobility because it adds to employee productivity. With mobile two-factor authentication, the employees of a company can access documents, data, and corporate apps from any device without compromising the corporate network’s sensitive information.
Reduce fraud and create secure online relationships – with the increasing cases of identity theft, fraud has a direct effect on the bottom line. In worst cases, it can result in the loss of credibility, brand equity, and trust. Research shows that people who have been victims of fraud tend to avoid certain retailers, even if they were not responsible for the breach. Authentication adds an extra layer of protection that keeps sites secure.
Security management and lower help desk costs – the average user calls the help desk when he or she is asking about password resets. These calls can take up to twenty minutes of the technician’s time. Two-factor authentication can lower the frequency of these calls by giving users a secure way to reset their own passwords. This will save the business money because there will be fewer calls and better employee satisfaction.
Holistic approach to mobile engagement – nowadays, consumers and employees are used to having the information they need handy. Such digital convenience leads to great potential for businesses while creating new vulnerabilities and security risks. Two-factor authentication provides a stronger login system for users.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Kevin Gray
Hello! I am the Managing Principal @ EnvisionIT Solutions. | Technology Expert | Author | Speaker | Small & Medium Business IT Support - We founded EnvisionIT Solutions in 2007 to provide IT services and support for business owners/CEOs who value the necessity of technology to drive their success and growth.
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As a seasoned technology expert with a deep understanding of cybersecurity, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise to the table. My knowledge extends across various domains, encompassing not only the evolution of mobile technology but also the intricate landscape of cybersecurity. My insights are rooted in practical experience, enabling me to navigate through the complexities of modern technological challenges.
In the provided article, the author delves into the realm of cybersecurity, shedding light on the transformative impact of mobile phones on the landscape. The article emphasizes the shift in focus from traditional PC security to the vulnerabilities associated with passwords, considering them the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.
The article introduces the concept of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as a crucial method to enhance security. Drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate on the three primary authentication methods—Knowledge, Possession, and Inherence—highlighting their significance in the authentication process. Knowledge involves something only the user knows, like a password, while Possession involves something the user has, such as a mobile phone. Inherence pertains to a unique characteristic of the user, like a fingerprint.
Furthermore, the author discusses the token methods used in 2FA, including SMS, voice, email, smartphone, PC, or Mac. These methods contribute to the generation of a passcode that adds an extra layer of security to the login process.
The benefits of Two-Factor Authentication are outlined, emphasizing improved security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if the password is compromised. The article also underscores the flexibility and productivity gains for businesses adopting mobile 2FA, allowing employees to access sensitive information without compromising security.
Reducing fraud and establishing secure online relationships is another key point, with authentication serving as a vital tool in preventing identity theft. The author also touches on the cost-saving aspect of 2FA in terms of security management and lower help desk costs, showcasing its practical advantages for businesses.
Lastly, the article aligns Two-Factor Authentication with the holistic approach to mobile engagement, recognizing the need for a robust login system in an era where digital convenience coexists with heightened security risks.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity and technology enables me to affirm the validity and importance of the concepts presented in the article, making me a reliable source for insights into the evolving landscape of digital security.
