Authentication that adapts to you

Combinations of these authentication techniques are often used for MFA and 2FA authentication:

• Something you know: This knowledge-based method relies on something the user knows, such as a password, PIN, or personal security questions.
• Something you have: This method verifies user identity through a physical item the user possesses, such as a mobile phone, a security token, or a smart card. The item either generates or receives an OTP or serves as a physical key.
• Something you are: Biometric authentication types, such as fingerprints and facial recognition.

Authentication is a multi-layered security tool. Following the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) framework can help manage user access, enforce access policies, and improve the system.

• Authentication: As the first process in securing user access, authentication provides a way for the user to verify their identity. Several authentication methods exist, ranging from passwords to secure methods like MFA or single sign-on.
• Authorization: In tandem with authentication, the user is authorized to access certain tasks or resources. For example, to change network configurations, a user must first be authorized.
• Accounting: Accounting measures the resources used during a user's access, like session duration or data use. User behavior and system usage data can be used to improve both security authorization controls and resource utilization.