Authentication methods — Description, uses and challenges

Whether accessing local or wide-area networks, whether these networks are wired, wireless or mixed, in client-server or distributed architecture, authentication of connected objects, equipment, terminals, servers, online services and people is necessary. All aspects of private access, i.e. controlling the delivery of information, resources or services reserved for certain entities, require authentication.

Today, as in the past, widespread use of the "login/password" authentication method remains the rule. However, there are many effective attacks against this method, which is also becoming cumbersome for the user to manage (multiple passwords). Its use therefore corresponds to "weak" authentication.

However, the consequences of a successful attack are far-reaching. Identity theft enables the attacker to benefit from exactly the same rights and services as the legitimate user, but in a malicious way. Online services are offering more and more possibilities to users, and therefore, a contrario, more and more power to harm identity thieves.

In the event of a successful attack involving fraudulent intrusion into an information system, either through lack of user control, or through usurpation of an authorized user's identity, the consequences will be commensurate with the access and action rights allocated to that user (person, program or machine). The stakes are all the higher, as the threats to individuals, businesses, organizations, administrations and their information systems are very real. High-profile cases are reported every month in the specialized and even general press.

What's more, all recent trends in IT in the broadest sense are particularly concerned by the need to ensure authentication. I'm talking here about the Cloud, industrial systems, smartgrids and SCADA, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Authentication is therefore not a security function to be neglected - quite the contrary. It plays a central role in today's cybersecurity.