Authentication

PAM refers to systems and processes designed to manage and control access to privileged accounts (e.g., system administrators, root accounts) to ensure that only authorized individuals can access critical systems. It includes features like password vaulting, session monitoring, and access auditing to prevent misuse of elevated permissions.

CIAM is a system designed to manage customer identities and control access to digital services. It allows businesses to securely handle customer profiles, authentication, and authorization across multiple applications or platforms, providing a seamless user experience while maintaining privacy and security.

The most common authentication method where users log in with a unique combination of a username and a password. It is simple but prone to security issues like phishing, password cracking, or reusing weak passwords.

MFA enhances security by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access. It typically involves something the user knows (password), something the user has (phone, token), and/or something the user is (biometric data).

Uses physical characteristics of the user, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice patterns, for authentication. It offers a high level of security and user convenience, especially on mobile devices.

Involves generating a token (such as JSON Web Token, or JWT) after the user successfully authenticates. This token is then used for accessing other services without needing to re-enter credentials, commonly used in APIs or single-page applications.

Uses digital certificates to authenticate users, devices, or services. These certificates contain public keys used to verify the identity of the user or system. Common in high-security environments, certificate-based authentication relies on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

A continuous authentication method that analyzes a user’s patterns of behavior, such as typing speed, mouse movements, and interaction styles, to verify their identity. It helps detect fraudulent activity based on unusual behavior patterns.

SSO allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple systems or applications without needing to log in separately to each one. It improves user convenience while maintaining security by centralizing authentication.

A physical card with an embedded microchip that stores authentication data. Users insert or tap the card into a reader to gain access to systems, commonly used in secure environments (e.g., government or corporate offices).

OTPs are temporary, one-use codes sent to the user (via SMS, email, or app) that are valid only for a short time. OTPs are commonly used as a second factor in multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

Risk-based authentication adjusts the level of authentication required based on the perceived risk of a transaction. Factors such as the user’s location, device, and behavior influence whether additional verification (e.g., MFA) is needed.

A specific form of OTP that is time-sensitive. It generates a new password at regular intervals (typically every 30 seconds) using an algorithm that combines the shared secret and the current time. TOTP is commonly used in authentication apps like Google Authenticator.

A type of authentication where the user must correctly answer a challenge (e.g., security question or puzzle) posed by the system. This method can also involve dynamic challenges based on the user’s identity or transaction, offering additional security.