A Beginner's Guide to Authentication in Network Security

What is Authentication?

When we talk about network and computer security, Authentication is something that is spoken a lot about. In modern days, networks can be weak and can be vulnerable to hackers. That is why there are many network security protocols and typologies that come forward to emphasize the ability to recognize a user who is trying to get in. It only verifies the credentials rather than the user itself.

The process of Authentication happens at two different levels. One is the user level, and the other is a machine level. It is just a simple login process where an ID and password are used for gaining access to a particular network at the human level. However, machine-level Authentication is involved, where a preset ID and password are involved. It makes sure that only the machine which is authorized to get access knows about it.

In terms of security, Authentication is the process of verification of someone before entering into a network. Suppose you log in to your computer from the office, visit your social media account, check the account balance in your wallet, or any other activities like that. In that case, you have to go through a process of Authentication. This helps the sites to determine that either the person trying to access is authorized or not. Authentication apps are also introduced for saving the network administrates from getting hacked.

If you grow up in a small town and walk into the local bank, the banker might recognize you. When you enter your department at university, the guard might identify you as a student of that department. But he might sometimes ask to see an ID card, which can show him that you are a student of that particular department. This is Authentication.

Nowadays, when we log in to our bank website's website, there is no one to recognize us. So, we have to show somehow that we are a member of that bank. Some methods can do that for you. When you authenticate yourself by using any of those methods, you establish your identity and tell the site that you have the Authorization to access your account.

In building up the identity to get access to any system, there are two steps. One is to show your user ID, email address, or account number, and in the second one, you have to put the password that only you know. By this, you can be satisfied that no other irrelevant person can access your account for any illegal purpose. This thing decreases the chances of any impersonator getting access to your sensitive information. It ultimately reduces the authentication problem.

The Process of Authentication can be Achieved Through Multiple Means

What are the Different Authentication Methods?

In the last few years, we have witnessed some large companies falling prey to hackers' hands. Even they are not immune to security breaches. Many large setups like Target, LinkedIn, and Sony Pictures got their systems hacked, resulting in revealing sensitive information about their owners, clients, and employees due to the authentication error.

With countless email addresses and passwords having exposed, it has been quite difficult for enterprises to handle their security in a better way. It has been difficult for network administrators to keep up with the quick advancement of cybercriminals. So, now they are implementing some better and sophisticated methods to resolve the authentication problem. They are doing their best to remove the authentication error from the systems.

Biometric Authentication

The biometric was known for documenting the physical attributes of the use for authenticating their identity. This is an ideal scenario as no two people share the exact physical characteristics like fingerprints etc. The methods that are common in biometric Authentication are fingerprints, retinal or iris scanning, voice recognition, and face recognition. This method can only be used with some special equipment, so it is not used in many companies and industries.

Token Authentication

A token is a materialistic device that is used for accessing any secure system. It comes in different forms, but the most common conditions are a card, dongle, or an RFID chip. A token is one of the most secure ways to secure a system as it makes it much more difficult for any hacker to get in. the token has long credentials and has a device. So, it becomes hard for the hacker to get that device or long credentials.

Two-factor Authentication

The two-factor Authorization means that you have to go through two steps to get into any system. First, you need to provide correct login info and any other verification like phone or email verification codes. For instance, if you are getting into your bank account, you need first to enter a login ID and password, and if it is correct, then it leads to a code sent to your phone or email. Entering that code can give you access.

What is Authorization? How is the Authentication different from Authorization?

Authentication vs. Authorization

Authorization is the process of providing user permission for accessing any specific function of the system. It is about giving someone permissions to download any file from the server. When a user tries to access any file, they need to show their identity to get the authority.

Authentication lets every staff member access the systems of a workplace if they provide correct credentials. But they may not have the Authorization to access some files and confidential data from any specific department. So, it is essential to know the difference between Authentication and Authorization. Authentication vs. Authorization is crucial in every system as there is not every file or part of the system that is accessible for anyone in the company. Employees cannot access the company's financial data, so only authorized persons are eligible to access them.

In any system, Authentication is the essential thing to keep hackers away. There are various methods to authenticate a network. Following those methods can save any illegal security breach to gain access to sensitive information.