When weak or stolen passwords are the main causes of the majority of confirmed data breaches today, authentication security is something that every company should be concerned about. Authentication security techniques add another layer of security protection to a company's applications and data. Moreover, effective authentication solutions pay off by reducing the overall time and effort IT and Help Desks have to spend on password resets. The key authentication security practices are Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and now, Passwordless Authentication.
SINGLE SIGN-ON
SSO simplifies the authentication process by allowing a single username and password to be used for access across many systems. SSO solutions function by storing all user credentials and identity data across apps, services, and systems in a single identity repository, or "identity store." The SSO method uses the stored identity data to provide streamlining across all aspects of a business without ever prompting for new credentials.
MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Similarly to SSO, MFA is a cost-effective solution for stronger and more simple authentication security. MFA is a security measure that requires a user to show proof of identity - additional to just a username and password - during the login process. This second factor of authentication usually takes the form of something you know - like a predetermined security question - or something you have - like a code, a key fob, or an acknowledgement on a secondary device.
PASSWORDLESS AUTHENTICATION
Passwordless Authentication is the newest solution in authentication security, combining SSO and MFA solutions to create a more simple, consistent login experience. Using MFA strategies, Passwordless substitutes passwords for independent proofs of identity like a text or email for its identity verification process. The reason: passwords are a liability.
Passwords are vulnerable and require a degree of responsibility, making them a favored entry point for attackers. Traditional solutions added MFA strategies for extra complexity and security, but this can be expensive and complicated. Moreover, traditional solutions dismiss the simple fact that users hate passwords. If we can make the login experience more enjoyable for the user, while maintaining the level of security, then we should. Passwordless Authentication gives us that solution.
The way Passwordless Authentication works is by switching user passwords with auto-generated ones in traditional password-dependent login systems. Essentially, the software creates complex passwords that are automatically updated, avoiding the difficulties of password recall and threats of phishing or hacking. Passwordless solutions provide stronger protection against identity-based attacks and a simpler authentication process for secure access to workstations, networks, and applications.
WE CAN HELP
Stack Solutions brings decades of experience in developing and implementing IAM strategies in large enterprises, ranging from workforce application security, to consumer-facing product integration. With years of industry knowledge across all major identity solutions, we provide a product agnostic view of how we can best help solve your problems with a solution that's most compatible with your existing technologies and team skill set. We can help you centrally manage user provisioning and access to your critical information across multiple systems and applications, regardless of what those systems are.
Ask the experts at Stack Solutions to look at your directory provisioning and identity management challenges for a custom solution that allows your security to be completely effective and also easily accessible by all your employees.