With the heightened use of services on the internet, increasingly numerous attacks on internet systems, and the introduction of mobile systems into business culture, the question of security is once again highlighted. Nothing is worse than unauthorised access to sensitive information, whether business-related or private. Thus it is the right time to deal with possibilities which go beyond supposedly secure passwords. In this regard, particularly the general problems with authentication should be highlighted.
In recent years, two-factor authentication has managed to gain broad popularity with administrators and experts in security. It is the combination of the traditional method of well encrypted information and secure passwords with additional protection by means of a physical token. All that is needed is a chip card, or your smartphone, and it will no longer be possible for an unauthorised attacker to gain access to foreign data. Instead of relying on a mere password, it uses unique codes or additional chips to protect an account. Those who want to be completely sure these days prefer to rely on a physical token. While in the case of smartphones it is still possible for hackers to switch between them and intercept the codes, a token offers significantly more protection in this regard. No other interfaces are used here, and thus it is virtually impossible for hackers to gain access to the secured network. For this they need to be in possession of the token, because only someone who identifies himself with a username, password and the token can also access the secured network. Besides, itâ€™s considerably nicer and easier for the user to identify himself by pushing a button on a token. The only requirement is that the user must ensure that he always has the token with him.
More and more companies secure themselves with expensive solutions against possible internet attackers. All the equipment is shielded, and vast sums of money are invested in encryption. You just need one look at the problems with authentication to see clearly that this area should be retrofitted. The following are a few examples of why additional protection is important for safeguarding oneâ€™s identity:
1. The problem of the user
One of the biggest factors which is seldom named but is clear to all the experts is the users themselves. People continue to treat passwords of all kinds quite carelessly. Many people use the same password for many services, and thus become vulnerable to attack. With improved authentication it is still possible to protect the relevant information even if a password becomes known to a hacker.
2. Hackers are constantly getting more creative
In the modern age it is the hackers themselves who are getting more creative. They put themselves right in the middle of the communication between the user and the server. In this way passwords can become known, and information can be manipulated â€“ provided that the user does not have to identify himself by means of a second factor.
3. More and more services are being used
Previously we used to have a password for the PC and perhaps one for the email account too. Today authentication is present with every service. Additional protection and simpler management are required to keep your information safe.
4. Every hurdle counts
At a time when the hacking of services, big and small alike, is becoming increasingly prominent, authentication is one of the few effective means of protection which the user has control over himself. There is no absolute safety for information, but with every additional hurdle it becomes harder and less interesting for attackers to commit a digital break-in.
5. Mobile technologies increase the pressure to have security
As more and more users choose tablets or smartphones, apps and mobile access become a danger, and smartphones become a tool and a threat to the same extent. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the services to safeguard against this issue, and so it is up to the user himself to take the relevant measures.
There are many good reasons why two-factor au