Multi-factor authentication and biometric security

"Using multi-factor authentication and/or biometric authentication should help secure systems," explains Jean-Christophe Vitu of cyber security firm CyberArk.

This position is particularly in line with this great dynamic that wants to find the best way to preserve the computer security of users of digital services both on the web or on an isolated computer system.

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During October, which can now be considered International Computer Security Month, several public and private institutions took the opportunity to raise awareness of computer vulnerabilities and best practices to prevent computer attacks. In this context, the French independent authority for the security of information systems, ANSSI (NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE SECURITY OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS) has initiated a program called "Cybermoi/s" whose target were the citizens.

The main purpose of this initiative was to emphasize the importance of everyone in the fight against cybercrime and of course the roles to be played in maintaining optimal online security. "French digital security actors are launching a new call to action for French citizens to actively and effectively secure their digital lives, both in the personal and professional spheres. described the French Agency for the Security of Information Systems

It has also placed more emphasis on the system authentication. at this level, multi-factor authentication has been presented as an issue essential. It is generally realized that it is easy for computers to collect personal information about Internet users who have less suspicious or even naïve practices when using the Internet. As a result, users' attention should be drawn to ensure that be more responsible and really realize the threat that lies ahead on a daily basis when it connects to the web. This responsibility will therefore consist for its users to learn to be trained.

among Measures to which internet users today, there are multi-factor authentication. as we know, the notion implies it, it doesn't take a simple password to protect its terminals and online accounts (e-mail, bank accounts, online public services, social networks..). According to Frank Abagnale Junior, a former forger converted into a security consultant to the Federal Police "passwords should no longer exist." In an interview for the British media Information Age, he explained in July "I can't believe the passwords were developed 1964, when I was 16, and today, at 71, we use passwords as a protocol to enter the security systems security. I don't understand why the passwords are still there so that we know that they are the main cause of all of our problems. ».

However, it can be observed that it is not at all possible to do without passwords today. indeed the fashions authentications have multiplied from year to year. With it, the system biometric security or the implementation of authentication multi-factor authentication (MFA), it can be said that we are on the road to improving security conditions for Internet access or at our terminals. And passwords are a key tool in this strategy. Indeed, multi-factor authentication requires two elements to confirm the identity of the user. In the majority of cases, the password is used as one of two means of identification. dual authentication Classic factor is used more generally with the User's password and A message received by SMS or email containing a confirmation code Identity. Its strength will lie in the fact that even if the hacker gets to get around the first way, the password, it certainly will not be able to get around the second, with a few nuances. According to a study conducted by Microsoft, dual-factor authentication can reduce 99% the risk of compromise of terminals or user accounts.

However, this security measure is not of course infallible. Indeed, cyber offenders and criminals continue to look for blind spots to prevent this protection measure. it is therefore for this reason that biometric security technologies are involved, which must help to close the gaps in the former.

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