Authentication processes are used to verify the identity of a user or entity attempting to gain access to systems or services, such as online banking or social media accounts, or a personal or corporate email account. Common methods of authentication include passwords, biometrics (including facial recognition or fingerprint), multi-factor authentication (MFA), passive liveness detection, and behavioral analytics that determine the consistency of the login attempt with previous logins. The use of strong authentication processes helps to prevent unauthorized access to accounts, protecting customers and safeguarding digital assets against fraud attempts.
Use case / examples for authentication:
Login security: Verifying a user identity with multilayered processes that combine the use of something you know, something you have (e.g., a mobile device), and something you are, like additional biometric factors, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to enhance the security of online accounts.
Transaction authorization: Confirming a user's identity with one or more additional processes (re-entering password, 2-factor authentication) before allowing specific higher-risk actions like transferring funds, changing account information like addresses or passwords, or authorizing high-value purchases.
Remote workforce security: Ensuring secure remote access to corporate resources by requiring employees to authenticate to the corporate network via methods like secure VPN and/or multi-factor authentication.
Online account recovery: Using secondary authentication methods such as security questions or biometric verification to more securely verify the identity of a user recovering their access to their account or accessing their account from an unexpected location. For example, this might involve presenting challenge questions to the user during a password reset or when they log in from a new device.
