Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity to ensure that only authorised individuals can access protected resources. Methods used include single-factor authentication (e.g. password), multi-factor authentication (e.g. password and one-time text message code), and advanced biometric techniques, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and voice analysis. Electronic signatures are a form of digital authentication that enable confirmation of the signer’s identity and the integrity of the document. The purpose of authentication is to ensure that only authorised individuals can perform certain operations and access protected data.
Authentication (Electronic Signatures, Biometric Solutions, Multi-Factor Authentication, etc.)
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Single-factor authentication: Methods such as passwords or PIN codes.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): A combination of two or more authentication methods, such as a password and a hardware token.
- Biometric solutions: Identity verification based on physical or behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice analysis.
- Electronic signatures: Digital identity proofing used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of documents.
- One-time passwords (OTPs): Temporary passwords generated for one-time use in the authentication process.
Industry usage
- Banking: Multi-factor authentication to protect access to online bank accounts.
- Public administration: Electronic signatures used for identity proofing and document authorisation.
- E-commerce: Verifying the identity of customers during online transactions.
- Health care: Biometric authentication in patient data management systems.
- Logistics: Authenticating drivers and warehouse personnel when receiving goods.
Importance for the economy
Authentication is the foundation of IT security, ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to data and resources. Effective authentication minimises the risk of unauthorised access, fraud, and data leaks. Biometric and multi-factor solutions are particularly important in sectors such as finance, health care, and government, where high levels of security and compliance are required. The use of advanced authentication methods builds user trust and supports regulatory compliance.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- Authentication is based on the verification of a user’s identity using one or more factors. Single-factor methods, such as passwords, are least secure because they can be easily guessed or stolen. Multi-factor authentication combines several different methods, such as passwords, hardware tokens, fingerprints, or one-time passwords, to enhance security. In the case of electronic signatures, the user’s identity is confirmed using a cryptographic key. Biometric solutions use unique physical (e.g. fingerprints) or behavioural (e.g. way of writing) characteristics to confirm a user’s identity.
Advantages
- Greater security: Multi-factor and biometric authentication effectively minimises the risk of account takeover.
- Regulatory compliance: It enables compliance with identity security requirements, such as PSD2.
- High reliability: Biometric authentication methods are more difficult to forge than passwords.
- Better identity management: Central management of access to IT resources and data.
- Ease of use: Biometric and OTP solutions simplify the authentication process for users.
Disadvantages
- Identity theft: Improper management of biometric data can lead to identity takeover.
- Fake authentication methods: Attacks involving the falsification of biometric features (e.g. fingerprints).
- Loss of authentication equipment: The loss of devices, such as hardware tokens, can lead to the seizure of access.
- Configuration errors: Improper implementation of multi-factor authentication can reduce security.
- Privacy issues: Storing biometric data can raise privacy concerns for users.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Identity management systems: Software to centrally manage user access.
- Authentication tokens: Hardware tokens, such as USB dongles and smart cards.
- Biometric solutions: Devices for fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and voice analysis.
- Electronic signature software: Tools for generating and verifying digital signatures.
- Access monitoring systems: Tools to track and report on authentication attempts.
Required competences
- Identity security: Knowledge of identity management and user authentication.
- Biometric technologies: Knowledge of biometric authentication methods and their implementation.
- Data protection: Ability to manage and protect sensitive identity data (e.g. biometrics).
- Access management: Configuration of access control and multi-factor authentication systems.
- Risk management: Assessing risks associated with the implementation of authentication methods and planning countermeasures.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High demand for computing resources during biometric analysis and storage of large data sets.
- Recycling: Problems with recovering material from authentication devices, such as hardware tokens and biometric scanners.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for specialised electronic components in biometric devices and tokens.
- Waste generated: Problems with disposal of obsolete authentication devices (e.g. obsolete hardware tokens).
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions from the production and operation of equipment and data centres used to store biometric information.
Legal conditions
- Data protection regulations: Biometric and personal data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR and CCPA).
- IT security standards: Standards for identity and access management (e.g. ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800-63).
- Regulations for electronic signatures: Regulations for the use of digital signatures (e.g. eIDAS in the European Union).
- Digital identity management: Standards for verification and protection of digital identities (e.g. ISO/IEC 24760).
- Privacy protection: Regulations for the storage and processing of biometric data and the management of users’ consent to its use.