How can you customize your digital authentication system?

1 Factors to consider

Before selecting or designing a digital authentication system, you need to consider several factors that affect its performance and usability. This includes the level of security and trust required by the system or service, such as a banking app needing a stronger authentication than a social media platform. Additionally, you should take into account the type and number of devices and platforms that will use the system or service, as well as the user experience and convenience. It's also important to consider the cost and complexity of the system or service, such as whether it involves hardware tokens or biometric scanners. All these factors are essential for ensuring your authentication system works effectively and efficiently.

2 Authentication methods

When creating a digital authentication system, there are various authentication methods you can use or combine. Common methods include passwords, which are easy to implement but can be guessed or stolen; codes, which are more secure than passwords but require an additional device or app; tokens, which are very secure but can be lost or damaged; biometrics, which are reliable but may raise privacy or ethical concerns; and certificates, which are robust but require a trusted authority or public key infrastructure to issue or verify them.

3 Authentication factors

Authentication factors are the categories of evidence that a system uses to identify and verify a user or device. These typically include something you know, such as a password or code; something you have, such as a token, card, or certificate; and something you are, such as a fingerprint, face, or voice. The more factors you use, the more secure your authentication system is. However, this also increases complexity and inconvenience. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between security and usability.

4 Authentication schemes

Authentication schemes are the combinations of authentication methods and factors used to create a digital authentication system. Common schemes include single-factor authentication (SFA), which only uses one factor such as a password or code, two-factor authentication (2FA) which requires something you know and something you have, multi-factor authentication (MFA) which requires something you know, something you have, and something you are, and adaptive authentication which adjusts the number and type of factors based on context and risk. Customizing your system with more factors and methods requires more planning, testing, and maintenance.

5 Authentication tools

When it comes to implementing and customizing your digital authentication system, there are many tools and frameworks available. OAuth is an open standard for authorization, allowing users to grant access to third-party applications without sharing their credentials. OpenID Connect is an extension of OAuth that also provides authentication and identity information. SAML is a standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between different systems and domains. FIDO is a set of standards for fast and secure authentication using devices and biometrics. Auth0 is a platform that provides various authentication and authorization services, such as social login, single sign-on, passwordless login, and MFA. These tools and frameworks can help you customize your authentication system by offering different options, integrations, and best practices.

6 Authentication tips

To effectively customize your digital authentication system, you should assess your security and usability requirements and choose the appropriate authentication methods and factors. You should also use strong and unique passwords and codes that are stored securely, as well as encourage users to do the same. Two-factor or multi-factor authentication should be used wherever possible, with options such as email, SMS, app-based codes, or hardware or software tokens. Adaptive authentication can further enhance security and user experience by using geolocation, device recognition, or behavioral analysis. Authentication tools and frameworks such as OAuth or OpenID Connect can enable social login or single sign-on, while FIDO can enable passwordless login or biometric login. Lastly, your authentication system should be tested and updated regularly, with performance and feedback monitored through analytics, logs, or surveys.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?