Let’s start by making sure we’re on the same page.
Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity — confirming that they are who they claim to be when accessing a system. It's one of the fundamental pillars of security — without it, access control wouldn’t exist and anyone could technically access pretty much any system.
In the physical world, we see authentication every time we present our ID at an airport, a conference, at a hotel, or to do some paperwork with the government. That ID serves as a standard form of proving who we are as it includes our full name and a picture of us.
The same concept applies in the digital world: before granting access to a system, we need to prove we are who we say we are.
Today, I’m going to walk you through some of the main authentication methods that exist.
Please note that this is a broad field, so we’ll focus on some of the most relevant methods.
Password-based authentication
Password-based authentication is the most basic form of authentication used to log into websites or apps. The system expects a combination of a username (or email) and a password.
The security of this method relies entirely on the password’s strength. Longer, more complex passwords are far more secure than short, simple ones like 1234 or Hello.
However, passwords can be guessed, stolen, or leaked, so they’re often paired with additional layers of security like multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Pro Tips
- Consider mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols when creating passwords
- Rely on password managers such as 1Password, KeePass, or the ones built-in in browsers to suggest secure passwords and store them securely.
- Rotate passwords periodically and avoid reusing them across platforms
Biometric Authentication
This authentication methods use biological traits (something that you are) such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or retina scans.
It's considered one of the most secure form of authentication because these traits are unique to each individual and as such, they are extremely difficult to replicate or share.
However, it’s worth noting that biometric data must be stored and handled carefully. Since it can’t be changed like a password, a data breach involving biometric information can have serious privacy implications.
If you are a smartphone user, chances are that you are already using it via Face ID (iOS) or fingerprint recognition (Android).
Social Login
Social login is a type of authentication that lets you access a website or app without creating a new account. Instead, it uses one of your existing social media accounts such as Google, Meta, or X (Twitter) to verify your identity.
This approach saves time and simplifies the sign-up process since you don’t need to remember another username or password. You simply log in using your preferred social media account.
It’s important to be aware that this method often involves sharing certain profile information with the third-party website, which can have privacy implications depending on the permissions granted.
This method also turns your social media account into a sort of central management account with access to other platforms, so keeping it secure is paramount.
One Time Passwords (OTPs)
One-Time Passwords (OTPs) are temporary, single-use codes that can be delivered in several ways:
- SMS or email: A code sent to your registered phone number or email address.
- Authenticator apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy generate time-based OTPs (TOTP).
- Hardware tokens: Devices that generate OTPs, often used in enterprise settings.
OTPs are commonly used as a second factor in MFA
Pro Tips
- Prefer authenticator apps or hardware tokens over SMS, as SMS can be intercepted.
- Never reuse an OTP; it is only valid for a single login attempt.
Passkeys
Passkeys are a modern, passwordless authentication method that relies on public-key cryptography to securely log you in without the need for a password. Each passkey consists of a pair of cryptographic keys:
- A public key stored by the service you’re logging into.
- A private key stored securely on your device.
When you log in, the service verifies your identity using your private key without ever transmitting it over the network. This makes passkeys resistant to phishing, password leaks, and credential stuffing attacks.
Pro Tips
- Enable passkeys wherever supported to improve both security and convenience.
- Use biometric verification (Face ID, fingerprint) to unlock passkeys on your device.
Magic Links
Magic links are a passwordless authentication method that allows users to log in simply by clicking a link sent to their email. Instead of entering a password, the user receives a one-time, time-limited link that automatically authenticates them when clicked.
This approach is convenient and reduces the risk of password-related attacks, such as phishing or credential stuffing. Magic links are commonly used for web apps, newsletters, and platforms that prioritize a smooth login experience.
How it works:
- The user enters their email on the login page.
- The system sends a magic link to that email address.
- The user clicks the link and gains access to their account.
Pro Tips
- Ensure your email account is secure, as anyone with access can use your magic links to log in.
Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication (MFA) involves using multiple factors during the login process to verify a user’s identity. These factors can include:
- Something you know (a password)
- Something you have (a one-time password or OTP)
- Something you are (biometric data like a fingerprint)
Typically, a system first asks users to enter their email and password. Once entered, the system prompts the user to verify who they are via another factor, for example, an OTP sent to their email or generated by an authenticator app.
This approach helps keep accounts secure even if a password is compromised because to successfully access the account, an attacker would also need access to the second factor, such as the email or device where the OTP is sent.
Pro Tips
- Enable MFA wherever it’s supported
- OTPs generated by apps or hardware tokens are generally more secure than SMS-based codes.
Top comments (0)