Security is a critical element in the management of digital identities. Organizations collecting a ton of personal information do not want it to be exploited by threat actors and hackers. Many times you have to give your username or password along with a security question with its answer, fill out an OTP sent to your mobile phone, or do the cumbersome task of clicking all boxes with traffic lights and filling out confusing captcha codes. Ever thought what is all this for? Well, it’s all part of keeping your digital identity safe.
Now, as users, are you always satisfied with this level of added security? You may appreciate such strict security checks while accessing your medical records or bank accounts, but your appreciation level is likely to drop when you have to sift through so many security layers while browsing a simple e-commerce website. We can say that too much of a good thing is sometimes bad, at least when it comes to user experience in terms of identity verification.
Let us say, for example, you want to buy a shirt and browse through an online shopping site. For this, you may prefer:
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No authentication process for browsing the site
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A simple authentication process like a username and password to add items to your shopping cart
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An additional authentication factor like entering an OTP sent to your mobile phone when you want to check out and place your order.
Now, the above preferences simply mean:
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Low-risk activities such as site browsing should need no authentication
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Moderate risk activities like adding items to cart should require moderate authentication methods
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High-risk activities like placing the order and making the payment should require a higher level of authentication
This approach is referred to as “risk-based authentication.” It is a system where the level of authentication required relies on the risk involved with the activity. In high-risk activities, organizations usually opt for MFA solutions that manage multi-factor authentication mechanisms along with risk-based authentication.
What is MFA technology?
MFA technology is an authentication system that uses two or more authentication factors to authenticate the identity of a user or device. It does not depend on the simple username and password combination. MFA solutions help prevent unauthorized access to critical data and applications by shielding organizations against the most advanced cyber attacks, identity theft, and data breaches.
Now that you know what is MFA technology, you should also note that MFA solutions, along with risk-based authentication, can add up to the security of digital identities in an organization, thus making it highly secure against illicit data exploitation. MFA solutions use a combination of authentication factors, such as usernames, passwords, OTPs, biometrics, email magic links, etc., for authentication purposes. MFA in conjunction with risk-based authentication can be highly advantageous for providing an advanced level of security.
Now let us dive into the waters of risk-based authentication and learn how it can be a crucial element for cybersecurity.
Here are some of the best practices of risk-based authentication to use it to its full potential!
Conduct a risk analysis
You need to conduct a risk analysis to classify the risk levels of various tasks. To do this, you should perform an initial assessment to categorize potential actions of users based on their respective risk levels.
Let’s say, for example:
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If a user requests access to critical information from an unknown device or location, then the risk level here is high; therefore, the access should be denied.
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If a user requests read-only access to non-sensitive data, then the risk here is low, and he can be asked to provide a password.
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If a user requests read-only access to critical data, then as the risk level is moderate here, he should be required to go through a multifactor authentication system.
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If a user requests writing access to sensitive data, then the risk factor here is high, and he can be asked to go through multi- factor authentication plus admin approval to get access.
Identify a range of risk indicators
Identify a range of risk indicators that can considered in a variety of ways in which a compromised account may behave, e.g.,
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Unusual login location
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Unusual login time
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Login attempt from an unusual device
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Login attempt from an unusual location
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Many failed login attempts within a short period
With the above risk indicators, you should keep in mind that generic risk indicators do not always work in every case. Let’s say, for example, if your employee’s work requires extensive traveling, then in that case, unusual location and time may indicate false alerts. Therefore, you have to set up a customized set of risk indicators that suit your business’ operational processes.
Apart from checking unusual login attempts, you can also set up a verification system to check whether the device is configured securely and up-to-date while being managed by the employer and running the organizational antivirus software. If a device fails these indicators, then there is a high possibility of the user being inauthentic.
Choose strong authentication systems
While developing your organization’s authentication mechanism, consider its strengths and weaknesses. Remember these factors!
Factor strength
Passwords can be weak and often stand at risk of getting old, breached, reused, etc. Even OTPs, a popular kind of MFA, can be insecure as the phone signals can be hacked and the OTP can be misused. Therefore, it is best to opt for more resilient alternatives such as:
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Passkey authentication
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Biometric authentication
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Physical tokens of security
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OTPs created by authenticator applications
These are some strong factors that provide the best security when used in combination as an MFA mechanism.
Chances of loss
Physical factors such as security tokens or authenticator apps stand at risk of getting stolen or lost. Therefore, such factors are risky as compared to factors such as PINS or passwords. Therefore, opt for the factors that fit your requirements the best.
Replaceability
Passwords that get compromised and are vulnerable to data breaches can be changed to stop the attacker from exploiting the data. On the other hand, other types of authentication factors, such as biometrics, cannot be easily changed in case the data for authentication is compromised.
You have to weigh the pros and cons of all authentication factors and figure out what threats your organization is most vulnerable to. Go for the combination that you think will work well for your business and is easier to implement among your users and staff.
Implement the principle of least privilege
Deploying secure, risk-based authentication is the core of an efficient access management system. Once the user’s identity is verified, you have to control their access. The best practice is the implementation of a least-privilege access control rule as part of a zero-trust policy.
Setting up least privilege access means:
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Users are granted permission to access only those resources that they require to fulfill their role.
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The organization can assess access requests based on each case.
Risk-based authentication and the least privilege policy are often referred to as complementary solutions. With risk-based authentication, companies can identify the user while enhancing user convenience, while least privilege access helps limit any potential damage that may be caused in case an authenticated user turns hostile to sensitive data.
Integration with digital security architecture
With the identification of potentially compromised accounts, you should initiate the steps to rectify all potential risks to your organization. Go for integrating risk-based authentication systems with the digital security architecture of your organization for an effective threat management and response mechanism.
Analyze and test
System analysis should be done regularly. You should continuously upgrade your risk-based authentication system with the continuous evolution of business and digital security needs. Let's, for example, say, companies may:
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Identify and adjust scoring factors that frequently show false positives
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Upgrade the parameters for risk-based authentication every time an application introduces new features and functions
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Incorporate new IT assets under the prevalent risk-based authentication system
Make sure that you periodically monitor your risk-based authentication system. Test it regularly to confirm that it is meticulously identifying high-risk scenarios. Also, examine integrations between the digital security architecture and the authentication system to validate that all identified risks are accurately managed.
Benefits and considerations of risk-based authentication
Let us take a closer look at the benefits of risk-based authentication!
Widespread use
Many government agencies as well as public companies promote and use risk-based authentication. Also, consumers are familiar with this technology, making RBA a popular method of authentication for data security.
Few deployments
If you set up your RBA system properly, then it won’t be springing into action frequently. This is because, for every low-risk activity, no additional authentication steps are needed.
Preventing danger
Data hacks are expensive, so the implementation of a powerful RBA system is a must if you don’t want your customers to blame you for their data loss and breach of security.
Proven compliance
Most companies, especially those in the banking sector, often need to prove that they are taking all steps necessary to ensure data security. Adopting an effective risk-based authentication system is clear proof to your clients and customers that you value their security the most.
Risk of not using MFA and RBA solutions
Now that you know what is MFA technology, you should note that both risk-based authentication and multi factor authentication are closely connected. In essence, risk-based authentication helps to determine when MFA solutions should be applied based on the assessed risk. This practice ensures a steady balance between user convenience and data security.
MFA solutions are a must-have for medium and large-scale businesses. They provide strong protection against all kinds of phishing, password-cracking attempts, social engineering, and unauthorized logins from hackers who exploit stolen or weak credentials. A recent study has revealed that there are more than 15 billion stolen credentials, including usernames and passwords for social media accounts, online banking, etc., available on the dark web.
So, if your system is easily accessible with a simple username and password combination, then you are negligible enough to allow cybercriminals to easily install ransomware in your system and steal your sensitive data. All this is possible if you do not have an MFA solution deployed in your digital framework.
Adding a powerful combination of MFA AND RBA solutions is the best thing you can do to prevent all sorts of cybersecurity threats and attacks. With hackers continuously targeting agencies and organizations, governments are more concerned about the illicit exploitation of critical data. Therefore, all companies are advised to deploy an effective MFA solution for the complete protection of their digital infrastructure and resources.
Bottomline
eMudhra’s comprehensive MFA solution and risk-based authentication system are the best mechanism to keep your sensitive data secure from all kinds of compromises. It provides an effective risk assessment tool that can identify potential security hazards at the right time. MFA will add an extra security layer with multiple forms of user verification while RBA will dynamically adjust the security measures based on the assessed risk of every user action. A powerful integration of these two solutions from eMudhra will help your organization protect its digital ecosystem and maintain user convenience too.
If you are all set to fortify your digital security then contact eMudhra to learn more about our comprehensive RBA and MFA solutions and how we can offer you the best customized package to safeguard your organization.
