Are you wondering what authentication methods are? Nowadays, any kind of application asks its users to verify their identity to access its services. Whether at work or to complete a certain task, for security reasons, the user needs to authenticate in one way or another. These systems allow organizations to guarantee the security of their networks, granting access only to those who are actually authorized to do so.
In this article we tell you about the importance of the authentication methods, their different types and how you can use them with Viafirma.
What are authentication methods?
Authentication methods are one or more IT procedures that make it possible to confirm that a user of a site or service is who he or she claims to be.
It provides access control to systems, checking whether a subject’s credentials match those registered in a database of authorized users or in a data authentication server. This ensures the security of the company’s systems, processes and information.
Why are authentication methods important?
Access control is the basis of all security, since no unauthorized persons can be allowed to enter. This is done by confirming or authenticating the identity of the user requesting access and verifying that he/she is indeed authorized to do so.
Before going through the different authentication methods, we must understand how important they are in our daily lives.
We must visualize it as if it were our shield against any attack, allowing access only to those users who have been authorized to obtain this information.
To strengthen this first line, companies are introducing new security measures in their processes, as cybercriminals can access a system and steal information when user authentication is not secure.
5 popular authentication methods
Although there are many, here are some of the most important ones:
QR Authentication
This model uses the device’s camera to scan the code and access the information or the platform. This factor ensures that only selected users can access your information.
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system that requires two different means of identification to access something. It is used to strengthen the security of an account, a device or a platform such as Facebook.
Two-factor authentication typically requires two types of user information: a password, a personal identification number (PIN), a code sent to the user’s smartphone, or a fingerprint.
OTP SMS
The One Time Password (OTP) is an authentication factor for confidential transactions.
It is a secure authorization method in which a numeric or alphanumeric code is sent by SMS in real time to the user’s cell phone to validate a transaction.
Biometrics
Authentication using biometric security is based on the unique biological characteristics of an individual. Facial recognition, fingerprint readers, voice biometrics or iris recognition are some examples.
Digital certificate
The digital certificate issued by an accredited Certification Authority is a very useful alternative to prove the identity of a user.
The convenience of being able to use them from home or anywhere else, coupled with their security, makes them very attractive to citizens.
Secure authentication for your signers
Viafirma supports multiple authentication methods that you can use in your signature processes with full legal guarantees. This way, procedures that were traditionally carried out in person can now be done online with the same security level.
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