![]() These soft tokens are generated either by an authenticator app on the device or sent on demand via SMS. As part of the login process, users receive a cryptographically secure one-time passcode that is time-limited to 30 or 60 seconds, depending on the settings at the server end. Smartphones can now be augmented to serve as code generators, providing end users with the security passcodes necessary to gain access to their network at any given time. While these traditional token authentication systems are still in effect today, the rise of smartphones has made token-based authentication easier than ever. These three elements work together to create a highly efficient and secure authentication system. The signature is exactly what it sounds like-the signature used to prove that the message hasn’t been jeopardized in transit. The payload contains the claims, which are simply any statements pertaining to the user. The header consists of the payload type as well as the signing algorithm being used. The most common token systems contain a header, payload, and signature. As such, team members must relinquish their dongle or fob when their employment ends. Due to the power these hardware devices hold, users are required to keep them safe at all times to ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands. In many cases, tokens are created via dongles or key fobs that generate a new authentication token every 60 seconds in accordance with a known algorithm. This additional layer discourages attackers and can save networks from potentially disastrous breaches. Without access to the token, gaining access to the network becomes increasingly difficult. That means even if an attacker successfully implements a brute force attack to take out any password in place, they’ll have to also bypass the token authentication layer. This is what we refer to as two-factor authentication (2FA). Token authentication is typically used in conjunction with password authentication for an added layer of security. Token authentication requires users to obtain a computer-generated code (or token) before they’re granted network entry. And last, but certainly not least, token-based authentication belongs in the possession category. Biometric authentication is an example of “something you are” due to its use of biological traits, like fingerprints. Password authentication falls within the knowledge category because users rely on a word or phrase they’ve previously created to verify their identity. While each authentication method is unique, all methods fall under one of the following three categories: knowledge (something you know), inheritance (something you are), and possession (something you own). Other web authentication methods include biometric authentication and password authentication. Token-based authentication is just one of many web authentication methods used to create a more secure verification process. By pairing this tried and true process with other comprehensive security measures, MSPs help keep their customers safe from security breaches that put their bottom line-and their reputation-in jeopardy. 18.While a plethora of network authentication methods currently exist to help aid in the execution of a robust security strategy, token-based authentication is a favorite among many MSPs. This is interesting stuff that we can expect to hear more about when Fall Interop arrives back in New York on Sept. Launched in 2004, OATH is backed by companies including IBM Tivoli, VeriSign and Citrix.Īlthough they might not be as secure as hardware technologies, the market for soft tokens such as MobiSecure has to be much larger. ![]() The sequencing is the primary difference between MobiSecure and hard tokens from companies such as RSA Security, which keep the validation server and tokens in sync at all times.ĭiversinet's technology is compliant with the reference architecture for strong authentication from the Initiative for Open Authentication ( OATH). The validation server knows the credential and sequence for that given client and, if it generates the same code, grants access.Īfter the session ends, the sequence number is incremented so that code can never be used again, Kowal says. The algorithm on the user's device creates the one-time code by combining a secret client credential (loaded during provisioning) with a sequential counter. When users log on they are asked for a password and the code generated by their token (the second factor). In use, the MobiSecure tokens are employed the same way as hard tokens. ![]()
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