Authentication

Abstract

An authentication process is a process of verifying an entity's identity based on one or multiple factors. A factor can be something the entity is, possesses, or knows. Depending on the number of credentials (or factors) required, the authentication process is referred to as single-factor authentication, two-factor authentication, or multifactor authentication. In choosing a particular authentication solution for organizations, it is crucial to balance security, usability, cost, and privacy considerations. The authentication solution for a particular service can be predetermined for the private individual, although stronger authentication can be enabled if desired. While these trends suggest a more secure and user-friendly authentication process, they may also introduce new privacy concerns that must be addressed.