Authentication Types
Computer security begins with being able to verify the authenticity of those who access the computer. Both computer hardware and software are used on computer systems for authentication. When authentication is used properly, computer systems are able to identify who is accessing them.
Other People Are Reading
-
Software Authentication
-
One of the most commonly available, yet overlooked methods of authentication is that of password protection on computer systems. Many users are not aware that they can lock their computer from being accessed by others if they provide a user password. This type of authentication is also called "permissions control." Often, people do not use proper passwords to guard and protect themselves. Proper password security authentication requires regular password updates to ensure safety and security of computer systems.
Hardware Authentication
-
The use of modern types of hardware--such as smart cards and biometric devices for computer access--is becoming more common. Smart cards have circuitry on them that contains specific information to authenticate a specific user. One example of such smart cards is ID badges. Biometric authentication requires that an authorized user verify their identity with the use of a fingerprint or retinal scan to be able to access a system.
-
Network Authentication
-
When multiple computer users are able to access a variety of machines all connected to one network, more authentication security is needed. Cryptography is often used for multiple computer authentication over a computer network. There are businesses that provide cryptography authentication and security services for computer network systems. Kerberos is one of the dominant businesses that provide network authentication (see link in References).
Misconceptions
-
It is a common misconception that because a computer system requires a password, biometric input or other type of authentication, that the system is then protected from viruses and hacks. Many computer users, with only basic emailing and Web surfing computer skills, fail to protect their systems from attackers adequately, because they lack the proper knowledge of how to do so. Anti-virus software is still necessary to maintain and protect computer systems, even when a system uses passwords and other types of security authentication. Regularly scheduled computer scans and disk defragmenting are also necessary for basic equipment maintenance but are not the same as anti-virus software nor system authentication.
Prevention/Solution
-
Educating people about computer authentication systems, virus protection, spyware, and system vulnerabilities without the use of complex technical jargon can provide ways for them to guard themselves and their own systems from attacks adequately. Providing more information about the various types of available anti-virus software, basic hardware systems and security authentication functions for the average user can prevent computer crimes from occurring.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Robert S. Donovan
