Auth0 MFA APIĪuth0 is widely recognized as an identity platform for developers and programmers. Note that this is not a comprehensive list and that there are many different two-factor options available for a wide range of use cases and situations. Now that we’ve discussed multi-factor options in-depth let’s look at some example implementations that allow developers to add MFA flows to their APIs. This type of factor authentication is useful, but only as an additional layer for security - e.g., if, and only if, other MFA factors have been secured, this should be used as an additional layer to ensure the MFA factors and the associated behavior that is being attempted are acceptable. While this can be circumvented somewhat through the use of VPNs, heuristics and IP database usage can prevent this kind of traffic from being considered acceptable.Īnother unique authentication method is “some way you behave.” This can include both the behavior you are trying to accomplish while authenticating - that is, you are trying to access a resource you typically access - or something you do to ensure access, such as gesture-based authentication. IP whitelisting, location whitelisting, and other geographically-limiting authentication systems can ensure that only users from a recognized location can access a system. One uncommon factor that is starting to become wider utilized is “some where you are.” This factor is dependent on your physical location and is largely behavioral. While they can be helpful to monitor for suspicious behavior, they are generally not considered reliable enough to stand as legitimate factors in MFA. Uncommon FactorsĪdditional authentication factor classifications do exist. Cell phone users may be familiar with fingerprint-based authentication, where a scan of your fingerprint is used to authenticate account access and actions. A great example of this type of factor is biometric authentication. The third category is “something you are.” This is, in many ways, the most secure of these factors, as it’s not something that can be stolen or replicated. Something you have, like a one-time password generator, is almost impossible (though not entirely impossible) to steal remotely. This is a stronger level of authentication because it’s not something that is easily stolen from the authenticating user. The second category, “something you have”, refers to an item or device in your possession that provides another level of security. Attackers, by definition, are seeking to capture confidential information, so leaning your entire security posture on a single source that is a principal threat is dangerous. The problem with this factor is that it assumes only the user knows of it. For instance, a password or an account pin is an example of something a user knows. Something You Knowįirstly, “something you know” is something the user can provide based upon their knowledge. The Three Common Authentication Factors 1. Let’s dive deeper into these factor types. When the factors used for authentication are spread between two or more categories, we refer to that solution as being “multi-factor.” A key note here is that using two factors from the same category is, by definition, not multi-factor - if both items used are something you know, such as a pin and a password, that is not multi-factor and is instead a single factor. These categories are broadly separated into “something you know,” “something you have,” and “something you are” - with a few additional classes that we’ll cover shortly. Multi-factor authentication refers specifically to using two or more factors that exist across two or more categories of authentication. While most people are vaguely aware that multi-factor means multiple verification methods, it’s actually a bit more complex than that. Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)īefore we dive into the four multi-factor solutions in this piece, we should first define multi-factor and why it’s critical to a proper security posture. We’ll also review four API providers that offer multi-factor authentication flows within their APIs. It allows developers and providers to create a lattice of security systems that make it harder for bad actors to penetrate trusted systems.īut what does the “factor” in MFA mean, and how does it grant additional security? Below, we’ll look at why MFA is so critical to the modern security posture, reviewing common factors and methods to implement it. Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a vital element of this comprehensive security approach. Security is never a one-size-fits-all situation - true security strength comes from applying multiple layers and systems working in tandem to deliver a more secure product.
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