Definition of Authentication, how it Works and Its Importance for Your Life

You must have often come across the term authentication as a type of security system. This security technology usually appears when you want to open an application or smartphone access. Actually, what is the definition of authentication? What are the benefits and how does it work in protecting data privacy on our devices? Check out the full explanation in this article.

What is Authentication?

Basically, the definition of authentication is a cybersecurity component in the form of a process of verifying the user’s identity. The most common authentication steps are entering a password or uploading an identity card.

The authentication process is carried out when you want to access important system or information on a computer or other device. This process can be done successfully if the computer system or device verifies that you have access to the system or database.

There are many examples of authentication around us. One of them is social media, where you must first enter your username and password before the account can be accessed. Devices such as smartphones, computers, or laptops that are locked also involve an authentication process in the form of a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN).

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What are the Benefits of Authentication?

Before knowing the benefits, you must first recognize the importance of implementing an authentication system today.

Along with the development of increasingly sophisticated technology, cases of cyber crime are also increasingly prevalent. Perpetrators have become smarter in carrying out their crimes so that user security can be more easily compromised. Once a user’s account is hacked, important or private data in it can be exploited for personal gain.

Internet users must improve the security of computer networks to be free from these threats. Authentication is one of the solutions that are often used to solve problems related to cybercrime. This security system saves a myriad of benefits when applied to your computer.

These are the benefits of the authentication system for internet users.

1. Decreasing Risks of Fraud

The type of authentication available to users is not only a single verification, but can also consist of two or more authentication processes. This dual security system will certainly reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Cybercrimes will not be able to hack into your database or account if you apply biometric authentication.

2. Avoiding Long-term Material Losses

It is undeniable that cybercrime is capable of incurring substantial material losses. This risk can be reduced by implementing an authentication process. The security of your account is more guaranteed because it is protected with a number of verification steps that must be filled in.

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3. Increasing the Customers’ Trust

Companies engaged in banking, services, and technology often deal directly with consumers. Their trust will increase if they know that the stored data and identity is protected by an authentication system. For them, it is better to implement a dual security system than risk becoming a victim of cybercrime.

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4. Increasing Financial Transactions’ Security

Online-based financial transactions are considered the most risk-sensitive procedure in the digital world. The reason is, you have to use personal data as a verification step. The authentication system is able to maintain personal data and financial transactions so that they run safely and free from the risk of leakage.

5. Simplifying Login Processes

Authentication can actually simplify the login process even if it has to be done repeatedly. A simple example is that you can access a bank account with biometric authentication, by touching the fingerprint sensor on the device instead of having to enter a username and password.

What are the Types of Authentications?

There are several types of authentications that are often used to verify a user’s identity, such as single-factor, two-factor, and multi-factor. The following is a complete explanation of each type of authentication.

1. Single Factor Authentication (SFA)

This type of authentication is single in number and the verification process only needs to be done once. Users only need to enter their identity in the form of a registered username. After that, the authentication process is continued by typing a password that matches the identity.

2. Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is a technology developed by SFA to increase the security of an account. Not only entering username and password, users also have to verify in various ways, for example OTP code, security question, or biometric authentication.

3. Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA requires users to enter three or more combinations of identities to access the account. The level of security is even higher than other types of authentication, because it involves biometric authentication or unique questions about the user.

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How Does Authentication Work?

The authentication process actually starts when you create a new account on a website or application. During the account registration process, the user must enter a series of credentials and information consisting of name, username, email address, password, and phone number. All such information is stored on the server for user verification purposes.

When you want to access the account, you must enter the credentials that have been registered. Next, the inputted information will be matched with the database on the server. This matching process is also known as the step to verify your identity. If there is a match, you can access the account and the information provided in it.

Some applications or websites often ask for additional information to improve account security. This information can be a fingerprint, a photo of a face, a unique user-related question, or an OTP code. All the data is also stored on the server to be matched with your identity.

Have you understood what the definition of authentication is after reading the article above? In essence, authentication is an important component to keep customer data secure. Then, what is a practical way for us to implement this authentication method?

By using the Liveness Check, this digital signature slash biometric software from AdIns can provide you with a more secured and unique security checks to keep you safe. Contact us for more information and get the demo versions of this app to increase the security of your corporate data!