8.5 Secure Authentication

Secure authentication technologies and procedures should be implemented based on information access restrictions and the topic-specific policy on access control.

Secure authentication in information security refers to verifying a user's or system's identity, typically through one or more authentication factors.

The goal is to ensure that only authorised individuals or systems can access a network, system, or application, and that they are who they claim to be.Authentication factors are typically categorised into three types:

• Something the user knows, such as a password or PIN.
• Something the user has, such as a security token or smart card.
• Something the user is, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a method of authentication in which more than one factor is used, making it more secure than using a single factor alone.Examples of secure authentication methods include:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) uses a combination of something the user knows and something the user has.
• One-Time Passwords, (OTP) which are generated using a device or an application and are valid for a single use.
• Biometric authentication, which uses fingerprints, facial recognition, or other unique characteristics of the user.
• Single ,Sign-On (SSO) which allows users to use a single set of credentials to access multiple systems or applications.
It is important to note that no single authentication method is completely foolproof, so organisations should regularly review and update their authentication methods to ensure they are secure and effective. Additionally, organisations should implement strong password policies to protect against brute force attacks and monitor the network for any suspicious activities.