Authentication methods are the tools that check if users or systems are who they say they are before letting them into a network, app, or any online space. They’re crucial for blocking unwelcome visitors by proving the identity of users.
Different from authorization, which decides what you can do after getting in, authentication is about verifying identity through means like passwords, biometrics, or special tokens. These methods build trust and are essential for protecting sensitive info online.
In this article, we’ll explore popular authentication methods, guiding you to choose wisely for your site, and share why passkeys and moving beyond passwords are so important for us at Gravatar.
Exploring common user authentication methods
Before we dive into the different types, keep in mind that some of them overlap with each other. For example, two-factor authentication can be a combination of password authentication and a unique code generated by the Google Authenticator app. Still, it’s important to know all the different types so you can choose the best possible option or combination for yourself.
Single-factor vs two-factor authentication vs multi-factor authentication
‘Factor’ entails the kind of evidence users present to verify their identities, with the principle that more factors equate to enhanced security.
- Single-Factor Authentication (SFA): This method relies on a single credential – typically something a user knows, such as a password or PIN.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA requires users to provide two distinct types of credentials; knowledge and a security token or a smartphone, to receive one-time codes.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA takes security further, demanding two or more verification methods. This could be entering a password (something the user knows), presenting a fingerprint (something the user is), and responding to a prompt on an authenticated device (something the user has).
Each authentication method has a different security level, with SFA being the weakest and easiest to breach and MFA delivering superior defense. This makes it perfect for guarding highly sensitive information and systems that need to follow strict security regulations.
Speaking of regulations, a lot of them now require the highest level of security, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare data and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) for payment processing.
It’s important for organizations to find the balance between great security and user convenience, such as allowing people to choose the most convenient authentication method for them while still practicing safety.
Password-based authentication
Password-based authentication is the oldest method, and it involves the user correctly inputting a set of characters to log in. It’s simple but unsafe, and it’s not smart to rely solely on it. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 49% of breaches involve credentials.
To counteract this weakness, it’s recommended to combine this with 2FA or MFA, adding an extra layer of security and stopping would-be attackers in their tracks. You can also create company-wide education programs about secure password creation, recognizing phishing attempts, and regularly changing passwords. Practices such as using longer passphrases and ensuring passwords are unique across different services further shield user data.
Certificate-based authentication
This method uses digital certificates that act as trust credentials and identify users with cryptographic keys. They play a crucial role in establishing encrypted sessions on the internet with SSL/TLS certificates serving as fundamental to secure web transactions. Organizations can choose from domain-validated certificates for basic encryption needs, organization-validated certificates for more in-depth authentication, or extended validation certificates for the highest security level with a thorough vetting process.
Digital certificates intertwine with other security components, such as secure email and code signing, and they have their own lifecycle. This means that organizations need to take care of registrations and renewals to prevent security lapses due to expired certificates.
Biometric authentication
Biometric authentication can include a scan of a fingerprint, facial features, or an iris, and is one of the more user-friendly yet sophisticated forms of security. However, devices may exhibit a False Acceptance Rate (FAR), where unauthorized users are mistakenly accepted, or a False Rejection Rate (FRR), rejecting authorized users. These rates vary across devices, but progress in sensor technology and algorithms has led to significant improvements in accuracy.
Unlike passwords, biometric data cannot be changed in the event of a breach, so organizations need to ensure strong encryption and secure storage practices to protect it. Thankfully, there are many advancements in artificial intelligence, such as AI-driven behavioral analysis, that can improve biometric efficacy.
Token-based authentication
Token-based authentication is a security strategy that uses digitally signed tokens instead of conventional credentials like passwords. These tokens, which expire after a set period, provide a dynamic layer of security, as they can be invalidated at any moment without changing the user’s core credentials – a practice that enhances security parameters, especially for sensitive operations.
Tokens can serve diverse purposes, such as API authentication and session management. APIs benefit from token authentication, which ensures that only requests with valid credentials are fulfilled, maintaining scalability for distributed networks. Session management relies on tokens to validate user sessions across different platforms, enhancing the user experience through seamless navigation.
JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and OAuth tokens are the most prevalent types of token-based authentication. JWTs offer a URL-safe way to securely transfer information between parties. OAuth tokens, including access and refresh tokens, allow authorization in scenarios involving third-party access to resources.
For example, JWTs are typically used in scenarios where a single sign-on feature is beneficial, such as mobile applications, whereas OAuth tokens are often involved in authorizing third-party web apps to access server resources without exposing user credentials.
Similar to digital certificates, tokens have a lifespan that needs to be monitored and they have to be carefully stored. It’s recommended to use HTTPS for secure transmission and to store tokens in HTTPOnly cookies to prevent access via client-side scripts. Blacklisting is an effective strategy for tokens that need to be revoked before their expiration, eliminating the user or system’s access rights instantly.
Application Programming Interface (API) authentication
API authentication acts like a bouncer for software applications, deciding who gets in and who doesn’t. It’s crucial to keep applications secure by ensuring that only authorized users can access certain functions. Common methods include API keys, which are like secret handshakes between computers; OAuth, a more sophisticated system where permissions can be fine-tuned without sharing passwords; and JWT (JSON Web Tokens), secure tokens that confirm someone’s identity and permissions.
It’s important to use HTTPS connections to protect data in transit. If you don’t, it’s like sending sensitive information in a clear envelope instead of a locked box.
This method still has its own set of security challenges that need to be addressed, including rate limiting (controlling how much a user can do in a certain timeframe) and protecting various access points (endpoints). To avoid this, you can change your secret handshakes (API keys) regularly and apply strict rules on who or what can access your API.
Passwordless authentication
Passwordless authentication is a method and an industry that is growing in popularity and profits. According to research, in 2023, it made more than 18.5 billion dollars in profit, and that number is expected to rise each year, reaching more than 53 billion in 2030.
It uses password alternatives like magic links to your email, biometrics, or hardware tokens – small devices that generate access codes – to verify your identity.
More and more platforms and websites are turning to this method because it is convenient for users and offers much better security than password authentication. By providing a smooth and intuitive login experience, organizations can give their users easy access to their services or platforms without the annoyance of remembering complex passwords and usernames.
If you’re a developer interested in applying passwordless authentication to your platform, know that we use open standards, easy Passkey integration, and multiple developer-friendly tools such as mobile SDKs, a WordPress plugin, and more!
Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication
Single sign-on (SSO) is a type of authentication that makes it easy to log into different systems, which has become even more important with the sudden rise of remote work since 2020. Think of it like a master key: you log in once, for example, into your Google or Facebook account, and a special pass (called a token) lets you into all other connected services without signing in again and again.
SSO is very handy, and it’s also built on solid security practices, using rules from trusted systems like Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) and OpenID Connect.
Even though SSO is convenient, it has one major flaw: if someone gets into your account, they could get into everything else. But, by adding extra security steps like multi-factor authentication and checking the system regularly, these risks can be managed well. Plus, SSO meets strict security standards, helping to keep everything even safer.
SSO is used extensively by Google and Microsoft, as well as in industries like healthcare. It helps doctors switch between systems quickly, which is crucial in emergencies. By meeting strict health data rules, SSO makes accessing and protecting sensitive information smoother and safer, showing how it can really improve security and make things more efficient for everyone.
From authentication method to protocol: Understanding the difference
Think of authentication methods as the different ways you can prove who you are. This could be something you have (like a security token), something you know (like a password), or something you are (like your fingerprint). Each of these methods offers a unique way to confirm your identity, ensuring that you, and only you, can access certain information or services.
Authentication protocols, on the other hand, are like rulebooks that guide how these methods are used to securely pass your identity proof from one place to another. They outline how to send, receive, and validate your identity to ensure it is legitimate and safe.
The magic happens when these methods and protocols work together. Protocols take the proof offered by your authentication method, wrap it up securely, and ensure it reaches the other side safely. This teamwork creates a secure authentication system that guards against unauthorized access.
Curious about how this all works in practice? Check out our article on authentication protocols that covers the most common protocols used today, giving you a clearer picture of how secure online authentication systems are built.
Gravatar: Vouching for a world of passwordless authentication
Gravatar is a digital identity platform developed by Automattic, which allows its users to carry their online identities wherever they go. We’re on a mission to build an open-source, connected, and user-centric internet. This is predicated on security, which is why we are strong advocates for passwordless authentication.
With Gravatar, you can create a digital identity, linked to your email address, which follows you wherever you go. By connecting your website or web app with Gravatar, you can verify users through secure and sophisticated API communications. This makes Gravatar an excellent identity management service alongside your chosen authentication platform as you can:
- Offer users a streamlined onboarding and profile creation experience as they can simply import existing details from Gravatar.
- Then offer quick and secure authentication every time through your integrated authentication service.
If you’re interested in the next step in securing online identities, check out our manifesto and explore our vision and commitment to enhancing internet security.
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