Two Factor Authentication: Better Security

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Legal )



CONCRETE AND ABSTRACT FACTORS

Two factor authentication is a security mechanism that requires two or more authentication or verification processes. Usually the two factors are asked from a user to verify if he is indeed the person that he claims to be.

The two factors involved in the authentication process involve the physical or tangible component like a key or card, and the abstract component which is usually memorized like a password or security code. In the industry, these two factors are referred to as something you have or something you are, and the second is something you know.

A very common example of the two factor authentication is the biometric clocking system used by companies to monitor employee attendance. Under the biometric two factor authentication system, the first factor for input is the fingerprint, eye scan, or voice, and the second factor is the employee code. These two factors must correspond with the database in the system before it is duly recognized.

PROTECTION FROM IDENTITY THEFT

For obvious reasons, two factor authentication is not used in online businesses. Usually what is required for these types of transaction is just the “something you know” component like your password or credit card number. This process is actually much less secure and vulnerable to hackers looking to use your personal information for their own ends.

Because of the profusion of identity theft cases in the Internet, some proponents are suggesting using the two factor authentication for online purchases to protect your sensitive information from being stolen. Two factor authentication can be employed in this case by using web cams, scanners, or voice recorders connected to the computer.

Having two independent components for identification is the main feature of two factor authentication. It requires that both be present and matching for authentication to take place. But as with all systems, it is not fool-proof. You still have to protect the factors because once they are in someone else’s hands, they can use it and be authenticated.


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