6 Network Authentication Methods to Prevent a Data Breach

Cybercriminals are continuously finding new ways to steal sensitive information. Having robust network security measures in place is now more important than ever — and network authentication is part of the solution.

There are various authentication technologies available that can add an extra layer of protection to prevent security lapses, and each one offers a unique solution. This post will highlight the most common methods for network authentication and answer the following questions:

• What is authentication and why is it important?
• What are common methods for authentication?
• What are some common authentication protocols?

What is network authentication and why is it important?

Network authentication is the process of vetting users that request secure access to networks, systems, or devices. This process determines user identity and can be found from username and password credentials and other technologies like authentication apps or biometrics.

User authentication is extremely important, as it maintains the security of sensitive information and protects it from unauthorized users. Cybercriminals are becoming more apt to gain access and steal information when user authentication measures are not in place. The Equifax data breach in 2017 resulted in 147 million consumers with exposed credit card credentials because their network did not have a secure authentication process. Meaning, without a secure authentication process, any business, no matter how large, is at risk.

6 Common network authentication methods

Here are the most common network authentication methods that your company can integrate to prevent future breaches:

1. Password-based authentication

Passwords are the most common network authentication method. And for obvious reasons, they are the easiest to implement. Passwords can be any combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and work best when they are complex and tricky to guess. However, passwords are also very easy targets for cybercriminals and are often compromised as a result of phishing attacks and bad password hygiene.

2. Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security on top of password protection. It requires an additional login credential, on top of a username and password. For example, when logging into a banking portal, users may have to provide a password and follow by entering a 6-digit code that’s been sent to their phone. This makes it more difficult for hackers to successfully access the account.

3. Multi-factor authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a network authentication method that is similar to a 2FA but requires two or more ways to identify a user. This can be anything from text messages that send security codes to your mobile device, facial recognition, fingerprints, or even voice biometrics. MFA authentication significantly improves security and user confidence by adding additional layers of security.

4. CAPTCHAs

The term is an acronym for “completely automated public Turing test to tell computers and humans apart”, and is used to identify if a user is a human or a malicious bot. CAPTCHAs are designed to prevent sophisticated automated programs from breaking into secure systems by displaying a distorted image of numbers and letters and asking users to type out the message they see. Computers have a hard time understanding these distortions, and without the ability to successfully decipher images will be unable to access the network.

5. Biometrics authentication

Biometrics is a computer authentication method that relies on the individual biological characteristics of a single person. It is often used by consumers, governments, and private corporations (airports, national borders, etc.) for security and identification purposes. Since no two users have the same physical features (unless you are identical twins, perhaps), biometric authentication is extremely secure and is becoming increasingly popular as it archives a high level of security without infringing on the user. Here are the most common biometric authentication methods:

Facial recognition

If you have one of the latest iPhones, then you are familiar with this biometric feature. Facial recognition matches different facial features of a user attempting to gain access to an approved facial record stored within the database. For example, if your friend is not within the facial recognition database of your iPhone, they will not be able to unlock your phone. While facial recognition is a progressive authentication method, it can be inconsistent when comparing faces at different angles or comparing the faces of close relatives, which may confuse the authentication algorithm.

Fingerprint scanners

Fingerprint scanners match the specific patterns of an individual’s fingerprint to approve and grant user access. Fingerprint scanners are the oldest and most popular type of biometric authentication.

Speaker recognition

Speaker recognition, or voice biometrics, examines the speech patterns of a speaker to determine the formation of shapes and sound qualities. A device protected by voice recognition relies on standardized words to identify a user.

6. Certificate-based authentication

Certificate-based authentication identifies users, devices, or machines by using digital certificates — based on the ideas of a passport or a driver’s license. Each certificate contains the digital identity of a user with a public key and digital signature. When a user is being authenticated, this digital certificate is deployed the same way as a username and password.

3 Common authentication protocols

Authentication protocols are set rules for verification and interaction that systems or endpoints (phones, servers, laptops, etc.) use to communicate. Every application accessed has its own set of protocols and standards that must be followed. Having an authentication protocol for your business ensures that compatibility and secure operations are continuously maintained. Here are some of the most common authentication protocols:

Password authentication protocol

Password authentication protocol (PAP) is the routine log-in process that requires a username and password to access a system. And although PAP is the most common authentication protocol, it is also the least secure due to its lack of encryption.

Challenge handshake authentication protocol (CHAP)

Challenge handshake authentication protocol (CHAP) verifies a user or network host to an authenticating entity during an online session — for example, an Internet service provider. CHAPs protect against replay attacks with the use of incrementally changing identities and a variable challenge-value. This makes it significantly more secure than a PAP.

Extensible authentication protocol

An extensible authentication protocol (EAP) is used for wireless communications and is the highest level of security for authentication. EAPs are the most secure because they allow a given access point and remote device to communicate together to perform simultaneous authentication with built-in encryption. EAP methods protect a specific portal so that users with a password or authentication key are the only ones that can access a network. And as a result, the number of users is reduced, protection is enhanced, and networks are faster and more secure.

How SecurityScorecard can help

Network authentication technology is constantly changing. And as we’ve discovered, there are many methods to consider when choosing the right technology for your business and clients. Biometrics provide an optimal amount of protection, 2FAs add an additional layer of security to passwords, and CAPTCHAs protect your network from automated attacks, but which method is right for you? While we may not have an answer for that, we do know that continuous monitoring is key to ensuring optimal security within any method.

SecurityScorecard’s Security Ratings provide you with the tools and intelligence necessary to improve your business’s overall cyber health. This includes insight into the web application, endpoint, and network security, as well as IP reputation and more. Having continuous monitoring of your cybersecurity posture will help you discover vulnerabilities before they are taken advantage of by cybercriminals.

Interested in learning more? Book a demo or request your free security rating to see your organization’s customized security score and stay one step ahead of a data breach.