Whats in the for Future Of Two-Factor Authentication? 2-factor authentication is a security system that requires two different things to login into an application/website/computer. It’s designed to add another layer of protection to your data by requiring you to know both your password as well as having something that only you can have like your phone, for example. Two-factor authentication started to become mainstream within the last decade. Once people started realizing that password protection is not enough to secure your assets, the growing demand spawned in the creation of a better resource.
Google, Dropbox, Twitter, and Linkedin, are a few of many big names that have adopted two-factor authentication. Here at RHYNO Networks, our IT consulting group is a big proponent of enhanced security protocols. We will take a closer look at the impact it’s had, thus far, and how the future of two-factor authentication will continue to benefit its users.
Conventional Passwords Are Not Enough
Since passwords have lost their edge in protecting data, the future of two-factor authentication has solutions that have continued to rise in popularity. The solution will check user credentials as a means of verifying identity to uncover who the person is, and what they’re trying to access. It’s the most straightforward solution for mitigating security breaches. It requires users to gain entry into their online accounts from one of two methods.
For it to work effectively, the account holder will enter a username and password combo, with another layer of security to follow. Once they get over the first hurdle, the process of multi-factor authentication allows the user to input another factor. Since this has become so readily accessible across a host of platforms, the future will see wider adoption of these protocols, with minimal friction.
Two Factor Authentication Is Not Entirely Foolproof
While the future of two-factor authentication is promising, it’s not a foolproof method by any stretch of the imagination. It has some vulnerabilities, and it’s important to be wary of the ways in which hackers can intercept these measures. Hackers will begin attacks by sending an email message that looks authentic, and it will ask the receiver to click on a link. Next, you’ll be asked to log into the real website and enter a code from your cell phone. What people don’t realize is that the login is run through the hacker’s server and they were able to get ahold of the session cookie. Moving forward, convenience is the name of the game, when it comes to protecting those who are most vulnerable.
Passwords Can Still Maintain Relevancy
Despite the imperfections, multifactor authentication is within the confines of future conversations, regarding access management. Two-factor authentication is here to stay and its future will rise up, with help from the implementation of non-static information to verify consumer identity, biometrics, behavior, and one-time-use tokens. More importantly, this is a bride technology that is meant to cause an uptick in usable life, reliability, and security of single factor, and static identifiers that include usernames and passwords.
What To Expect In The Future
For IT consulting groups like ours, we are always optimistic about what the future has in store. Passwords will stick around, but the ways in which they are utilized are subject to change. Its evolution can lower our dependency on passwords. The current evidence has displayed that the increase in security is consistent. Passwords could eventually become a form of biometric authentication (think fingerprints, face and iris scanners). The possibilities are endless.
The Future Of Two Factor Authentication With A Professional IT Consulting Group
If you are looking to align with a professional IT consulting group, our team with RHYNO Networks is here to help. We can provide much insight and guidance on security protocols like two-factor authentication. Contact us today!