Logging in to your email account, checking Facebook notifications, or paying a bill online – we all do it. But have you ever stopped to think about how exactly we’re logging in? Many of us just type in our username and password without a second thought, but there are actually many different ways of verifying our identity. So, which one is right for your business?
In this blog post, Tommy Shek takes us through the most common digital authentication methods and what each one involves. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to choose the suitable authentication method for your company’s needs.
Digital Authentication Methods
Below, Tommy Shek discusses the three most common digital authentication methods.
Username and Password
The most common method is through the use of a username and password. This is where you create a unique username for yourself and then create a password that only you know. This combination is then used for logging in to websites or applications.
Another common method of authentication is using an email address and password. This is similar to the username and password method, but instead of creating a unique username, you use your email address as your identifier. Again, you create a password that only you know, and this combination is used for logging in to websites or applications.
Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is an important security measure that can help protect your online accounts from being hacked. Using multiple factors to verify your identity makes it much harder for attackers to gain access to your account.
There are a few different types of authentication factors that you can use, including something you know (like a password), something you have (like a security token), or something you are (like a fingerprint). Using multiple factors provides an extra layer of security, since an attacker must have all the information required to log in to your account.
If you want to add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts, Tommy Shek says that a multi-factor authentication is a great option. Be sure to choose a method that best suits your needs and always keep your authentication details safe and secure.
Biometrics
Biometrics is a type of digital authentication that uses physical characteristics to verify someone’s identity. The most common biometrics are fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scanning.
Fingerprints have been used for biometric authentication for over a century. They are unique to each individual and difficult to replicate. In the past, fingerprint scanners were large and expensive, making them impractical for consumer devices. However, advances in technology have made fingerprint scanners smaller and more affordable. Today, many smartphones and laptops feature fingerprint scanners for security.
Facial recognition is another popular form of biometric authentication. It works by comparing an image of someone’s face to a database of known faces. Like fingerprints, facial features are unique to each individual and difficult to replicate. Facial recognition technology has been available for several years, but it has only recently become affordable. Facial recognition is used in security systems and to unlock smartphones.
Iris scanning is a biometric technology that uses a high-resolution camera to capture eye images. It is not used as often as fingerprint and facial recognition because it requires more equipment, but some companies are looking into using it for security applications.
Last Few Words
Many digital authentication methods are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. According to Tommy Shek, the best method for you depends on your needs and preferences.
If you want a simple authentication method that is quick and easy to use, then a password manager like LastPass or 1Password is a good option. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a better choice if you need more security. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile phone in addition to your password.
If you are looking for the highest level of security, then biometric authentication is the best option. Biometric authentication uses your fingerprint or iris scan as your unique identifier.