How can you keep your authentication secure in the era of cloud computing and mobile devices?

1 Multi-factor authentication

One of the most effective ways to enhance your authentication security is to use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires the user to provide more than one piece of evidence to prove their identity. MFA typically combines something the user knows (such as a password or a PIN), something the user has (such as a token or a smartphone), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or a face scan). MFA can reduce the risk of identity theft, phishing, and brute-force attacks, as well as comply with regulatory standards and industry best practices.

3 Passwordless authentication

A third way to boost your authentication security is to use passwordless authentication, which eliminates the need for the user to create and remember passwords. Passwordless authentication can rely on various methods, such as biometrics, email or SMS verification, or cryptographic keys. Passwordless authentication can offer several benefits, such as improving the user convenience and satisfaction, reducing the cost and complexity of password management, and preventing common password-related attacks, such as credential stuffing, password spraying, and password cracking.

4 Cloud identity providers

A fourth way to strengthen your authentication security is to use cloud identity providers (CIPs), which are services that offer authentication and identity management capabilities in the cloud. CIPs can enable you to outsource the complexity and responsibility of authentication to a trusted third party, which can provide scalability, reliability, and availability for your authentication needs. CIPs can also integrate with various authentication methods, such as MFA, SSO, and passwordless authentication, and support various standards and protocols, such as OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SAML.

5 Mobile device management

A fifth way to fortify your authentication security is to use mobile device management (MDM), which is a solution that allows you to control and secure the mobile devices that access your online services or applications. MDM can help you enforce security policies and settings on the mobile devices, such as encryption, lock screen, password, and biometric requirements, as well as remotely wipe or lock the devices in case of loss or theft. MDM can also help you monitor and manage the mobile devices, such as inventory, configuration, update, and compliance.

6 Continuous authentication

A sixth way to augment your authentication security is to use continuous authentication, which is a technique that verifies the user's identity throughout the session, not just at the initial login. Continuous authentication can use various factors, such as behavior, location, time, and device, to assess the risk level and confidence level of the user's identity, and trigger additional authentication steps or actions if needed. Continuous authentication can enhance the security and usability of your online services or applications, as it can adapt to the changing context and threat landscape, and provide a seamless and dynamic user experience.

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?