Today’s companies have developed a more flexible approach than ever before. Full-time remote or hybrid employment models let team members log in and work from different locations, and bring-your-own-device (BYOD). This increase in adaptability is empowering companies to have a more productive workforce. However, this may times result in businesses becoming victims to IT threats specifically designed to target weak points in devices and networks.
Thus, there comes adaptive authentication for rescue. Rather than using a rigid set of policies that are integrated on every device, this methodology involves authentication and authorization levels based on various factors. This advanced technology balances security and user convenience by using the right authentication techniques or steps.
Read this blog to learn more about What is adaptive authentication and why it has become an important part for modern businesses.
What is Adaptive Authentication?
Adaptive authentication, which is also known as “risk-based authentication” or “risk-based MFA,” is a dynamic form of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Adaptive authentication is a process to confirm users’ identity and authorization levels based on their location, device status, etc. By using these contextual factors, adaptive authentication smartly chooses how a user must authenticate. Since the factors are continually assessed throughout the users’ activities, this kind of authentication improves security.
How Does Adaptive Authentication Work?
The first thing that needs to be done while deciding on risk-based authentication solutions is to decide the parameters that users will hold while logging into the system. When users access the systems, they will be provided with a risk factor score. These scores play an important role as based on what they are: low, medium, or high, the users are supposed to provide more information before the system can authenticate their identity.
Authentication and authorization are two crucial steps in the security of a system. The risk score is part of the authentication of the process. In a risk-based authentication solution, if a user is not identified by the first method of authentication, then automatically that login presents a higher risk. Additional authentication methods have a risk score, varying from low to high.
Other methods that might be used in case of high-risk score of an authentication request include:
Face Recognition
The users are supposed to take a selfie to prove their identity. During the enrollment process, the software takes mathematical data from the users’ facial features and stores the same information into the system. The users are supposed to authenticate with facial recognition while using the system.
OTP over Email
In this method, the users are notified regarding the login attempt through email. They have to enter the one-time password shared through email to start with their work.
Push Authentication
Here the system authorizes access by delivering a push notification on the user’s trusted device and asking the users to acknowledge the same.
OTP over SMS
In this case, an SMS notification regarding the authentication request will be sent on the user’s device. The user in turn is requested to enter the one-time password shared via SMS. If the user doesn’t request the authentication or it seems malicious, they can address their query to the company.
Why is Adaptive Authentication Beneficial?
Here’s how adaptive authentication can prove beneficial for organizations.
Strong MFA when necessary: Like the way multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds security layers over passwords, adaptive authentication further strengthens MFA by incorporating risk-based elements. Though MFA is more secure as compared to traditional password-based solutions, it’s still susceptible to attacks.
Improved User Experience: Adaptive authentication is more user-centric and addresses their concerns. It also provides hassle-free access to users by providing the required credentials.
Alignment with Zero Trust: Adaptive authentication aligns with zero-trust architecture (ZTA) principles.
Quick Deployment: Adaptive Authentication ensures fast and easy deployment and maintenance for IT staff by limiting identity challenges.
Adaptive Authentication: Real-World Examples
A few of the examples of adaptive authentication in real-world scenarios include:
E-commerce Protection
While shopping online at your preferred shopping app, adaptive authentication will just ask for the password if you are using your usual device and network. While shopping, if you add an expensive item to your cart then a regular one, then you might be asked for a fingerprint scan or phone code. Post successful verification, you can continue purchasing.
Corporate Network Access
While logging in to your work network from a regular computer, you are asked to sign in using password-only. But while using a new device in a different place, adaptive authentication steps send a mobile notification for your approval, ensuring safe access to company data.
Social Media Security
Logging in to social media platforms is commonly done by entering your password only. However adaptive authentication is integrated while using a public computer at a new place. It sends an email code for extra verification, adding an additional layer of security to your account. Adaptive authentication ensures the protection of your social media account.
Kodehash’s Solutions for Adaptive Authentication
If you want to be a part of modern business, then adopting an improved security network backed by an adaptive authentication solution is the right solution. Also in today’s digital age, a secure authentication tool is no longer a luxury rather it has become a necessity. The next step is to collaborate with the right business partner to start your journey. This is where Kodehash Technologies comes to help in offering advanced solutions and improved security experience with adaptive authentication.
Kodehash’s adaptive authentication solutions focus on user identity, geolocation, device posture, and risk profiles, both before and after logging into any system or application. We offer the utmost data protection by using various authentication tools including:
- Email Verification
- Password
- Biometric Authentication
- SMS/Text Verification
- Hardware Tokens
- Phone Call
- Push Notifications
- Smart Cards, etc.
Kodehash provides customized adaptive authentication solutions based on the company’s risk tolerance, ensuring the perfect balance between user experience and security. Our authentication solutions assist businesses in recognizing the level of risk and managing authentication requests based on location behavior and device sensor signals.
So, connect with us to learn more about our tailored adaptive authentication solutions.