Authentication methods in cybersecurity

Authentication Methods: Directory Services, Federation, Attestation, SMS, Push Notification, Authentication Apps, TOTP, HOTP, Phone Call, Static Codes, Smart Cards, Biometric Factors

• Directory services keep all usernames, passwords, and devices in a single database that is constantly replicated and used for authentication requests.
• Federation allows third parties like partners, suppliers, and customers to access network services using a single set of credentials and establish a trust relationship.
• Attestation proves the hardware is yours and provides an operational report to a verification server, including a unique hardware component like IMEI.
• SMS and push notification can be used as login factors, but security issues exist, and some push apps send information in the clear.
• Authentication apps like TOTP and HOTP generate pseudo-random tokens and use a secret key with time-based or HMAC-based algorithms.
• Phone calls can provide tokens, but they have similar disadvantages to SMS, including interception and forwarding.
• Static codes like PIN or password are authentication factors that don't change and require memorization.
• Smart cards are integrated circuit cards used for access control that require physical possession and can use digital certificates and multiple factors like PIN or fingerprint.
• Biometric factors like fingerprint, retinal, iris, voice, facial recognition, gait analysis, and vascular scanners use unique physical characteristics for authentication.
• Biometric acceptance rates include false acceptance rate (FAR), false rejection rate (FRR), and crossover error rate (CER), which defines the overall accuracy of a biometric system.
• FAR is the likelihood that an unauthorized user will be accepted, FRR is the likelihood that an authorized user will be rejected, and CER adjusts sensitivity to equalize both values.
• Biometric factors are becoming more common, but they still have limitations and require careful consideration of privacy and security concerns.

Test your knowledge on the various authentication methods used in cybersecurity with this quiz. From directory services to biometric factors, this quiz covers the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Learn about the different types of authentication apps, static codes, and smart cards, as well as the intricacies of biometric acceptance rates. Test your expertise on authentication methods and understand how to choose the best one for your security needs.