MFA and Passkeys: The Evolving Landscape of User Authentication

Posted August 15, 2023

User authentication is the cornerstone of online security. Knowing who is accessing networks and systems is a critical first step to securing data and infrastructure; therefore, advanced security implementations such as zero-trust begin with robust authentication mechanisms. However, with the rise in cyber threats, traditional methods of authentication are being scrutinized for their vulnerabilities.

Traditional and more vulnerable methods of user authentication, which have been the foundation of digital security for decades, include processes and technologies such as:

Username and Password: The most ubiquitous form of authentication. Users provide a unique username (or email) and a secret password to gain access to systems.
Personal Identification Numbers (PINs): Typically, a numeric code that users must enter to authenticate, commonly used with ATM machines and mobile devices.
Security Questions: Users answer pre-set questions that they have chosen and provided answers to during account setup. Examples include “What is your mother’s maiden name?” or “What was the name of your first pet?”
Magnetic Stripe Cards: Physical cards with a magnetic stripe that stores user data. When swiped through a reader, the data is read and verified. Commonly used in credit and debit cards.
Smart Cards: Physical cards with an embedded microprocessor chip. They can store user data and perform on-card functions (like encryption). Often used in conjunction with a PIN.
Token-based Authentication: Hardware tokens generate a time-sensitive code. Users enter this code along with their password for an added layer of security. RSA SecurID is a well-known example.
CAPTCHA: A test to determine whether the user is human. It often requires users to identify distorted letters and numbers or select specific images from a set.
Static IP Address Checking: Granting access based on the recognition of a user’s specific IP address.
MAC Address Authentication: Granting access based on the recognition of a device’s specific Media Access Control (MAC) address.
Callback Systems: After a user logs in, the system calls the user back at a pre-registered number to establish a connection.

While these traditional methods have served us well for many years, they have vulnerabilities that modern cyber threats can exploit. As a result, there’s a shift towards more advanced and secure authentication methods, such as biometrics, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication (MFA), to address the limitations and vulnerabilities of traditional methods.

Let’s delve into the risks associated with user authentication today and explore the potential solutions that are shaping the future of digital security.

The Risks of Traditional Authentication

The most common form of user authentication is the username-password combination. However, this method has shown its vulnerabilities time and again. According to a report by Verizon, 81% of hacking-related breaches leveraged either stolen or weak passwords. This staggering statistic underscores the inherent risks of relying solely on passwords for security.

Another alarming trend is the rise in phishing attacks. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, using deceptive emails and fake websites to trick users into revealing their login credentials. According to Zscaler, phishing attacks increased by 47.2% year-over-year in 2022.

Passkeys: A Step Forward

To address the vulnerabilities of password-based systems, the concept of passkeys has emerged as a promising solution. Passkeys are cryptographic tokens or keys that replace traditional passwords. They can be stored in hardware devices or can be software-based.

Strengths:

Enhanced Security: Passkeys, especially when stored in hardware, are resistant to common cyber threats like phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
User Experience: With biometric integration, passkeys can offer a seamless and fast authentication process.

Weaknesses:

Device Dependency: If the device storing the passkey is lost or stolen, it can pose a security risk, though protective measures can mitigate this.
Adoption Barriers: Transitioning from traditional systems to passkey-based systems can be challenging for organizations, both in terms of technology and user training.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Layered Defense

Recognizing the need for more robust security, many organizations are adopting Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to provide multiple verification factors, creating a layered defense against unauthorized access.

Strengths:

Robust Security: By requiring multiple verification methods, MFA ensures that even if one factor is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented.
Flexibility: MFA can incorporate a range of factors, from passwords and passkeys to biometrics and smart cards.

Weaknesses:

User Inconvenience: Some users find MFA cumbersome, especially if it requires frequent input of verification codes.
Implementation Challenges: Integrating MFA into existing systems can be technically challenging and may require significant resources.

The Road Ahead

While no authentication method is foolproof, the move towards solutions like passkeys and MFA represents a significant step forward in digital security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must our defenses. Organizations need to be proactive, stay informed about the latest trends and threats, and invest in robust authentication mechanisms.

The risks associated with traditional authentication methods are clear and present. However, with the advent of innovative solutions like passkeys and MFA, there’s hope for a more secure digital future. As with all technological advancements, there will be challenges to overcome, but the potential benefits in terms of enhanced security and user experience are undeniable. The onus is on organizations and individuals alike to prioritize digital security, ensuring that our online interactions remain safe and secure.

Kyle Vinar

Kyle Vinar is Partner / President of Verus Corporation. He oversees all business operations and coaches Verus teams to continually improve on their solutions from client experience to product development and overall solution implementation. He works with all Verus resources to increase efficiencies and excellence in every aspect of their organizational roles. Kyle believes that people are the last real competitive edge that a company can have and constructing a rich culture is a vital step in running a world-class organization. Therefore he strives to create a culture within Verus that allows everyone to show up authentically and grow both personally and professionally, which in turn allows Verus Corp team members to provide clients with top-of-the-line service. Kyle helps balance strategy, capacity, and culture in such a way that has allowed Verus Corp to achieve exponential growth since he joined the company in 2013. One of Kyle’s greatest professional achievements has been in helping lay the foundation upon which Verus Corporation could be named the 2nd Best Place to Work by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. Cloud State University. He lives in Champlin with his wife and 3 children. He has enjoyed volunteering as a soccer coach for over 6 years and was the former Director of Coaching for Rebels Soccer Club. If Kyle isn’t on the sidelines of one of his children’s soccer games or in the audience of his eldest’s musicals, he can often be found cruising scenic routes on his Harley, in a deer stand, or on the golf course.