Methods of Authentication
– Authentication is relevant to multiple fields such as art, antiques, anthropology, and computer science.
– Three types of authentication:
– Proof of identity given by a credible person
– Comparing attributes of the object to known information
– Reliance on documentation or external affirmations
– Attribute comparison may be vulnerable to forgery
– Certificates are important for authenticating art and antiques, but can also be forged
– Criminal and civil penalties exist for fraud, forgery, and counterfeiting
Authentication Factors
– Three categories of authentication factors:
– Knowledge (e.g., password, PIN, security question)
– Ownership (e.g., ID card, security token, software token)
– Inherence (e.g., fingerprint, retinal pattern, biometric identifiers)
– Positive authentication requires elements from at least two factors
– Security research supports verifying elements from all three factors
– Each factor is used to verify a person’s identity and establish authority
– Factors of authentication are used in various contexts, such as access control and transaction approval
Single-Factor Authentication
– Weakest level of authentication
– Only one component from one factor is used
– Not recommended for financial or personally relevant transactions
– Provides limited protection against misuse or intrusion
– Examples include using a password or a physical token for authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication
– Involves two or more authentication factors
– Two-factor authentication is a special case
– Enhances security compared to single-factor authentication
– Examples include using a bank card and PIN, or a password and security token
– Commonly used in business networks and high-security systems
Applications of Authentication
– Authentication is used in various fields, including art, antiques, computer science, and consumer goods
– Art and antiques use certificates for authentication, but they can be forged
– Currency and financial instruments incorporate physical features for verification
– Consumer goods use various forms of authentication to prevent counterfeiting
– Software companies employ security measures like holograms and color shifting ink to combat counterfeitingSources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authentication
