In cybersecurity, authentication is crucial for guarding sensitive information against those who would use it for ill gains. Traditionally, passwords have been the primary means of authentication. However, as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the limitations of password-based systems have become apparent.
To address these challenges, many organizations are transitioning to passwordless authentication methods. These innovative systems offer enhanced security and user experience by eliminating the need for passwords.
Authentication in the context of cybersecurity is the process of ensuring that the entity attempting to access sensitive information (banking information, identity documentation, government information, medical documents, etc.) is both an entity that is properly permitted to access it and is the entity that they are claiming to represent. To put it more simply, authentication is a service’s method of making sure that only the right people – people you specify – get to see your data.
The most classic form of authentication online is a password. Passwords are specific phrases or strings of symbols that act as a sort of key for the “lock” protecting your information. Users enter an account identifier – usually a name, email, or username – and a password into the verification screen. The service compares what was entered to what is on file as valid for this information and, if they match, grants access. It’s a relatively straightforward system.
Because of its simplicity, however, password authentication systems are insecure in the modern world. Simple programs like keyloggers and common scams like phishing gather information quickly and can make it easy for cybercriminals to access your information. Beyond this, there are thousands of password databank breaches annually that can mean your information is exposed even if you yourself are extremely careful with it. Passwords are easy to misplace, forget, or input incorrectly, meaning that lots of time needs to be spent recovering password-protected accounts, which is both frustrating and time-wasting.
To combat this, many companies are now switching to passwordless authentication systems. As the name implies, a passwordless authentication system uses alternative methods to verify a user’s identity, not requiring a specific password at all. This eliminates the need for a password databank and can be easier to encrypt for security. It also means that keyloggers are rendered useless and spoofing for a phishing scam is harder to do.
Of course, there are methods of bolstering password authentication. This usually involves establishing multi-factor authentication with additional layers like reCAPTCHA. ReCAPTCHA is Google’s authentication system based on the CAPTCHA method; users input the digits or letters presented to them in a slightly distorted photo that many image identification bots struggle to read. In newer versions of reCAPTCHA, users must select a particular object from a grid system of a photo or set of photos or must answer a question.
Systems like reCAPTCHA can still have vulnerabilities, however. Modern machine learning models and artificial intelligence programs have vastly improved photo recognition algorithms and can parse the tests relatively easily and quickly, meaning that bad actors can still access sensitive information with relatively little effort. Passwordless authentication is still not as vulnerable to this kind of attack because it doesn’t rely on a specific typed input in the same way from users and often instead relies on another personal identifier selected at account creation, which can’t be predicted by these programs.
When it comes to securing online accounts, Photolok from Netlok is a passwordless authentication method that offers a practical and user-friendly alternative to traditional password-reliant methods like reCAPTCHA. Photolok leverages photos to authenticate users in a way that’s both effective and intuitive.
This unique software’s authentication process works like this. Users select and categorize photos to use as verification keys; they can be labeled as multi-use, one-time use, or “Duress” (a distress signal). During login, users are asked to identify their chosen photo from a grid of similar photos from Photolok’s proprietary database. This approach eliminates the need for passwords entirely, making it a robust alternative to conventional password-based systems.
In terms of defending against AI and machine learning attacks, Photolok is particularly effective by design. Its system is built with advanced encryption and lateral defenses, which standard password-cracking tools cannot bypass. Since there are no passwords to crack and photo recognition software needs specific training and prompting to identify photos, AI attacks are considerably less effective; there is no “please choose this item” prompting for them to rely on for identification. The use of one-time-use photos further complicates any potential data collection by attackers, making it challenging for them to amass useful information over time. Additionally, keylogging systems are ineffective with Photolok, as the user’s photo location on the grid changes with each login.
As mentioned, traditional CAPTCHA tests, including advanced versions like Google’s reCAPTCHA, were designed to thwart simple automated attacks, but AI’s rapid advancement left CAPTCHA systems of all kinds outdated and less effective against sophisticated threats. Photolok provides a modern solution with its photo-based system, offering superior protection against both AI-driven and human social engineering attacks alike. Photolok’s ease of use and strong security make it an excellent choice for enterprises seeking a more reliable authentication method. Visit Netlok’s website to learn more and schedule a demonstration to see Photolok in action.
Most people who have used the Internet are familiar with the little boxes at the bottom of forms that ask you to prove that you’re human. It’s become a common joke that the distorted letters are illegible and that it’s just as hard for a human to solve these puzzles as it would be for a robot. But is that true? And if so, why do we still use this outdated verification?
Google’s ReCaptcha is beginning to show its limitations, and many site owners and internet users are seeking alternatives. To know why, it’s important to know what Recaptcha is, why it is being phased out, and what authentication methods are being used to replace it.
ReCaptcha is a Google property. This program is a multi-factor authentication method that uses a risk analysis engine to prevent spam responses to forms online. It’s most often used for surveys, email list registration forms, account creation and login screens, and purchase forms, among other applications. ReCaptcha uses a CAPTCHA test, which stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.”
The Turing Test is a method of determining whether a computer can effectively mimic a human being’s thought processes. For a classic Turing Test, a human asks a series of questions to two responders, one other human and one computer program. After all questions are answered, the questioner must determine which responder is the computer. If, on more than half of the trials of the test, the computer is incorrectly identified, the computer is said to have passed the Turing Test.
So, using this idea, CAPTCHA tests generate an image that the user has to correctly interpret to access or submit the form. This is usually either an image with distorted letters and numbers that must be typed in the correct order or a series of images that ask users to identify a specific object. Some reCaptcha tests may be a single checkbox to select labeled “I am not a robot.” With this version of the test, the program takes into account the speed and accuracy of the click on the box, verifying a certain level of human error for authenticity.
While reCaptcha started as a go-to authentication method, modern internet users and site owners have criticisms that are beginning to spell the end of the software as an industry standard.
For one, reCaptcha has extremely limited accessibility features. Many users with accessibility needs, such as low vision or blind users, express frustration with reCaptcha’s distorted letter mechanic. With accessibility for all becoming a major focus for most online brands, having essential features of your site hidden behind a feature that cannot accommodate people with visual disabilities can be a major hindrance.
Another major complaint is the overall tedium of filling out reCaptcha forms. Some versions of the system require users to go through two, three, or even four layers of identification and authentication to verify their legitimacy as users, which can take an upsetting amount of time to complete, and in the event of an internet issue, can be extremely frustrating to have to restart. There have also been issues with image reCaptchas specifically having errors that result in the user being asked to identify an object that isn’t present at all, which can lead to further confusion and annoyance.
The final major concern with reCaptcha is the advancement of artificial intelligence technology. AI algorithms are becoming so advanced that they can pass the Turing test with relative ease, and with reCaptcha specifically, programs have been developed by scammers and bot managers that can replicate the minute randomizations in clicks of a human being and identify images more clearly than ever before. Many people are concerned that reCaptchas have become obsolete in the face of these advancements, and many site owners are finding that more and more bots are slipping through reCaptcha filters because of it.
While it’s unlikely that reCaptcha will be completely phased out anytime soon – as this would be a massive undertaking and require the reconfiguration of millions of sites worldwide – other authentication methods are slowly becoming more prevalent as a way of warding off AI advancements and bots.
Some sites choose to use methods like Cloudflare’s Turnstile, which uses specific code to verify a user’s connection and authenticity and filter out bots. Others choose to add another layer of security to their reCaptcha authentication instead of replacing it, using bot-sweeping software to filter out any spam that may get past the Captcha and into their system. They may also choose to implement a firewall system to block AI. Some companies are also fighting AI with AI; they use AI software to detect spam accounts and users across networks and block them instantly.
A new authentication method from Netlok called Photolok allows users to log into their accounts by selecting an image of their choosing from a grid of similar images. This system allows users to upload their security images with labels including one-time use and duress – a label that would alert administrators if a user is forced to log into their account by a bad actor. It is an extremely secure method that works well against bots and AI alike thanks to clever encryption and a unique verification algorithm.
Other methods include 2FA requiring outside devices such as phones or tablets and biometric authentication, which may include facial recognition software or fingerprint reading.
While reCaptcha has been a go-to authentication method for many years, its limitations and drawbacks are becoming increasingly apparent to both internet users and site owners, especially concerning accessibility. Alternative authentication methods are slowly gaining popularity as a way to fight against AI advancements and bots. Again, while it is unlikely that reCaptcha will be completely phased out anytime soon, site owners need to consider alternative authentication methods that are more accessible, user-friendly, and secure.
If you are interested in implementing Photolok into your network as a Captcha alternative, you can schedule a demo online.
Read More: Phishing Attacks Surge By 173% In Q3, 2023
Read More: The Need for a Paradigm Change to Mitigate Password Vulnerability From Artificial Intelligence
Read More: Fortify Security: Investing in Advanced Authentication Solutions
Cyber scams like phishing trick people into disclosing personal information or downloading malware that can then result in bad actors using these stolen identities for fraudulent activities that cost companies and individuals billions of dollars annually.
To stay safe, it’s important to understand what phishing attacks are, the different types of scams, and how to prevent them. Let’s explore a recent report that highlights the prevalence of phishing attacks and the industries that are most affected, as well as what you can do to prevent phishing attacks for yourself and your business.
A phishing attack is a form of cyber scam that uses falsified credentials – a fake email from an established company, a fake identity as a customer service or government representative, a fake homepage for a social media site, etc. – to steal identifying information like usernames and passwords from individuals, trick users into downloading dangerous malware, or taking other actions that might leave them vulnerable to other cybercrime. This is most commonly done via email or direct message on social media by claiming there’s been some kind of security incident or contest requiring you to log into your account or provide information.
Phishing relies heavily on social engineering, or forcing someone to take action via social pressure or manipulation. These attacks rely on making you feel as if you’ve done something wrong – made a bad purchase, trusted the wrong company, had a transaction bounce, etc. They also rely on creating a sense of urgency, the idea that you’ll need to resolve the problem right now or risk it getting substantially worse.
There are several types of phishing attacks to consider.
According to a new report from Vade Secure, phishing attacks have risen by 173% in Q3 of 2023 alone. The researchers comment that August was the most heavily affected month, sporting more than 207.3 million phishing attempts via email, which is nearly double the amount sent in July. This activity continued into September when an estimated 172.6 million emails were sent.
Of the most commonly impersonated companies, Facebook and Microsoft took the top spots, keeping their places since 2020. Facebook was the most impersonated overall, at 16,657 faked URLs, and experienced a rise of 169% in the prevalence of these URLs from Q2. The company accounted for more phishing URLs than all seven of the next most spoofed companies combined, whose total was 16,432 spoofs.
Though all companies saw major increases in attacks, according to Vade, the most affected companies were
The only industry that saw a decline in phishing attempts was Internet and telecommunications.
There are many things you can do to recognize and prevent fallout from a phishing attack. Here are some helpful tips.
One of the best things you can do to secure your data is to implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts. This makes it more difficult for scammers to gather all of the required information to access your data by layering security together.
If you are a business looking to implement MFA, consider using a modern, more advanced authentication method such as Photolok. Photolok is a passwordless IdP that is simple, effective, and offers a range of benefits including AI and ML defense, device authorization, and one-time-use authenticators. With Photolok, users submit images and label them for use as authenticators. When attempting to access the system, they simply choose their image from a grid. They can also label an image as Duress, which allows them access but notifies administrators so that, if they are forced to access the account, the proper authorities can be notified quickly for their safety.
You can request a demonstration of the Photolok system for further details and a consultation to see how this advanced authentication system can benefit your business.
If you are a business looking to implement MFA, consider using a more advanced authentication method such as Photolok IdP. Photolok is a passwordless IdP that is simple, effective, and offers a range of benefits including AI and ML defense, device authorization, and one-time-use authenticators. With Photolok, users select images and label them for security use. When accessing a network, application, and/or API, users simply choose their image from several photo panels, and they are in. Users can also label a photo as Duress, which acts as a silent alarm. The Duress option allows the user access but notifies IT administrators that the user’s account is compromised and they need to execute the company’s security procedure quickly to protect the company and the user’s safety.
Data breaches have become increasingly common in the last few years thanks to an increase in the sophistication of data collection and infiltration technology. The frequency and severity of such breaches are only expected to increase.
Because of this, it is crucial for organizations to take proactive measures to secure their sensitive data. To do this, it’s best to begin by exploring the reality of data breach frequency and the importance of investing in advanced authentication methods, such as Netlok’s Photolok technology, to protect against cyber threats.
According to IBM’s annual report, more than 550 organizations in the United States have been affected by serious data breaches in the past year. In total, there were more than 493 million individual ransomware attacks globally in 2022 and more than 3.4 billion phishing scam emails – including those posing as LinkedIn, which accounted for more than half of the total scam emails.
That same IBM report states that the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 has risen 15% in the past three years, to more than $4.45 million, while Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that the cost is even greater, at more than $8 trillion in 2023. They predict that the cost will only go up from there, to as much as $10.5 trillion in 2025.
Forbes reported in March of this year that, “While cybersecurity capabilities and awareness seem to be improving, unfortunately the threat and sophistication of cyber-attacks are matching that progress.” Cyber attacks have evolved from obviously false emails to well-manicured duplicates with disguised senders and from simple smash-and-grab data mining to well-planned DDOS takedowns of massive industry standards and even government software including a Ukrainian satellite.
Possibly the most threatening advancement is that of AI tools, which can process password decryption much faster than previous programs. These programs can then use the data collected to improve phishing attempts and collect even more data as well as expose vulnerabilities with assets like cryptocurrency.
Roughly 51% of organizations have plans to increase security around their customers’ data and personal information. To do this, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the United States recommends implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) into your organization’s data security network. MFA is the use of multiple identity verification methods to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
While traditionally, MFA relies on passwords and devices, these options are quickly becoming the targets of scammer AI training and replication programs. There are, however, newer options available to you for MFA. One excellent example is Netlok’s Photolok technology.
With Photolok, users are asked to verify their identity by uploading and labeling an image. This image can be of anything, and, when the user or anyone else attempts to access their information, it will appear alongside other similar images. Users will need to select the appropriate image as a secondary identification format.
Photolok also includes a method of alerting authorities in the event of a dangerous situation that may force a user to log in while under the influence of a bad actor. This Duress photo option can help to ensure a user’s safety and the prompt response of authorities in one quick and undetectable – from the user side – move.
With no passwords or questions to crack, many AI programs are rendered useless against Photolok. The system also includes protections against lateral penetrations, bots, ransomware, keylogging, SIM card swapping, and shoulder surfing with features like one-time-use photo verifications and device authorization.
The growing frequency and sophistication of data breaches in the modern world present a significant threat to organizations and individuals alike. Investing in advanced authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now more than ever crucial to protecting sensitive data from cyber-attacks.
With options like Netlok’s Photolok technology, organizations can implement a highly secure MFA system that is resistant to AI programs and other forms of cyber attacks. As the threat of data breaches continues to increase, it is essential for organizations to stay vigilant in protecting their data and invest in advanced security measures to safeguard against cyber criminals.
In today’s world, information security online has become more crucial than ever. As a result, the online authentication methods have also evolved significantly.
Identity providers are the most significant innovation in cyber data security. They maintain and authenticate user information across various platforms to ensure safety and convenience.
Let’s explore how identity providers work to protect your sensitive information online.
When you frequent a website or use a service on a regular basis, and want to customize your experience or store data of some description, it’s common to create an account with that site or service. This allows you to have a dedicated user experience personalized to your needs. But how do you keep this personal information safe? Using identity protection methods and authentication. That’s where an identity provider – or IdP – comes in.
An IdP is an entity that stores and manages the digital identities – usernames, passwords, and other identifying information – of its users and acts as the verification process between a user and a website or service. You can think of it as being a bouncer at the door to an event, who keeps the guest list and checks against it for everyone trying to enter. IdPs are most frequently used in cloud computing services to manage user identities and/or authenticate devices logging into a network.
Though they are named similarly, an identity provider and a service provider are two different ends of the user-need system. A service provider is any web-based application, system, or service that a user would like to access, which stores user information behind the wall of an account for authentication. An identity provider, on the other hand, is the intermediary service that actively records and confirms the identity of a user or device so that they can access the service provider’s network.
That being said, both are important to the process of federated identity management, which is an arrangement between two providers (an IdP and an SP) that offers secure, smooth access to information and services by consolidating their information into one interactive system rather than requiring them to create new authentication credentials at every step of the process and for every unique program or application they use.
Using an IdP to secure user data has many benefits.
One of the most significant advantages of using an IdP is that it provides strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which can significantly reduce the risk of data loss or data compromise. By implementing MFA, the IdP can verify the identity of the user, making it harder for bad actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Another benefit of using an IdP is that it simplifies the user experience by allowing users to use single sign-on (SSO) technology. This means users don’t have to remember multiple passwords, usernames, or secondary authentication methods, which reduces the overall amount of data that a company’s system needs to monitor at any given time. This also makes it easier for users to navigate between different applications and services without having to re-enter their credentials each time.
Beyond this, using an IdP can streamline the user data management process by taking the burden of data management and security off of the service provider. Again, this makes monitoring easier, as it provides a centralized unit for auditing access events (meaning instances of users attempting to gain access to information) and tracing those events. With an IdP, the service provider can focus on the service itself and on offering a great user experience while the IdP handles security and data management.
Overall, using an IdP is an effective way to secure user data and simplify the user experience while reducing the overall risk of data loss or data compromise.
There are two main types of widely available IdP setups.
IdPs have three basic steps in their working process.
Usually, this process will need to be repeated every time a user logs into the service provider’s main system. There are often options users can select to have IdPs remember specific devices or browsers so that they do not need to log in as often.
Data protection online is incredibly important, which is why service providers partner with identity providers. This system allows users to have both an easy and secure way to access their data without worrying that it will be compromised by malicious third parties.
If your company is interested in establishing an authentication system, Netlok’s Photolok service might be the IdP you’ve been looking for. Photolok is a unique authentication system that allows users to upload photos to be used as identifiers; simply upload and label your security image and select it from a roster of images to verify your identity. Photolok even provides users with a Duress option, which allows them to choose a specific photo if they have been forced to access their account, sending a distress signal to the provider so that authorities can be alerted to the situation quickly and quietly.
You can request a demo of Photolok today to see if this service is right for your organization.
Cybersecurity is a major focus for individuals and businesses in the modern world. Because most of our infrastructure runs through the Internet, we need reliable ways to ensure that what belongs to us stays with us and doesn’t fall into the hands of someone who might use it inappropriately or hurt us with it.
There are many ways you can improve your personal or business cybersecurity efforts, and one of the simplest and most effective is to improve your authentication systems with MFA.
According to the Computer Security Resource Center at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, authentication is defined as “the process of verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system.” Essentially, this is a website, brand, company, or other entity’s way of ensuring that the information you give them is safe and that only you can access it. It’s essentially a method for creating a digital identification card for each entity you work with, which you present to them in order to access special perks, make transactions in a commerce space, share information in a community, or otherwise use your own personal identity online.
The usual process for this is simple: you give the website (or other entity, but for convenience, we’ll say website) a piece of identifying information – usually a unique username, email address, or membership number – and pair that with a password that works as a key. The website takes this information to create a unique identification code. When you input the identifying information and the password together into the website, that identification code is “unlocked” and allows you to access any personal information you choose to share with them, from payment cards to order histories to addresses to important documentation.
Unfortunately, it’s relatively easy to steal someone’s password. People may write down their passwords, tell them to friends, or use the same password across multiple accounts. Thieves will also use programs that use algorithmic testing to generate the correct password and crack into your account. If this happens, your personal information is at risk of misuse or theft.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of authenticating data in multiple steps so that your information is more secure. Think of it like adding additional locks and keys to your security system.
In a system with MFA, when you create your login credentials, you’ll be prompted to connect a secondary method of identification. This most often comes in the form of a phone number, email, or authentication application. The system sends a unique code, usually about six digits long, to your secondary identification. You then enter this code into the space provided in the system, which, to return to the metaphor from before, acts as a key to the second lock on your information.
From there, every time you log into your account, you’ll be prompted to enter one of these unique codes from the second source, meaning there is an extra step with an outside device or system that you need access to covering your information. This means that, even if they do get your password, malevolent forces can’t access your information.
Of course, no system is without its risks. If, somehow, a bad actor gets into your account even with MFA, they can change the secondary identifier to something they own, locking you out of your account without changing your credentials. Additionally, if you lose access to your secondary identification, you’ll be locked out of your account. Usually, this can be resolved with a call to your system’s technical support center, but it is a risk to be aware of.
That being said, technology is evolving in the space of bad actors that are capable of mimicking authentication applications and bypassing MFA with computer viruses. Text messages are notoriously unsecured, meaning that, if a hacker can gain access to your phone or text records, they can bypass MFA that way. These technologies are still in early stages, but have been known to cause serious damage when not properly addressed by the systems using MFA.
Some of the best ways to combat these issues with MFA are to
No system is perfect, but if a cybersecurity measure is effective, it’s worth trying. MFA has been a trusted cybersecurity measure for many years because it is, to a large degree, effective. The technology behind it has evolved and advanced over time at pace with the technology that is used to foil it, so, combined with other measures like conscious data protection and encryption, MFA can be a useful and powerful part of a good cybersecurity strategy.
Cybersecurity is a complex industry that’s become essential for everyone who accesses the internet on a regular basis. We have accounts for everything now, from online shopping to banking to government applications, so how can we be sure that our information stays out of the hands of people who might want to hurt us while still being able to get into our accounts when we need them?
We use authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication and single sign-ons. Here’s what you need to know about how these two measures work and what they’re used for, as well as the relative safety of both and how they compare to each other.
The process of signing into an account is known as authentication, as you are confirming who you are and that you have the right to be accessing the information you’re looking for. For a traditional online account, you’ll make a unique username or use an email and pair it with a unique password that only you are supposed to know.
While good in theory, this doesn’t provide a particularly high level of security; it’s relatively easy to guess someone’s password if you know them well, people are prone to sharing passwords with their friends or family members for the sake of convenience, and malicious parties have created software that can quickly work through possible combinations to find the correct password in minutes.
That’s why many services use multiple sources of confirmation to ensure that the person trying to access an account is actually who they say they are. This is called multi-factor authentication or MFA, and it’s used on everything from social media to online banking and more.
MFA works like this:
There are a couple of drawbacks to MFA to be aware of. To start with, if you lose access to your secondary method of identification, unless you have backups in place, you lose access to the entire account. Additionally, if you’re using a phone for access, you need to have cell phone service to get the authentication code. Generally, though, MFA is a relatively useful method of keeping your accounts safe and secure.
Single sign-on (SSO), as the name implies, is a system of consolidating identifying information to one set of credentials that lets you access multiple applications. This is most useful for companies and larger enterprises but is also popularly used by social media applications to allow third-party access connected to your social media account.
Single sign-on works basically like this.
For companies, an SSO can let multiple people access multiple accounts across various devices without having to remember a million passwords. It can also provide a more seamless login experience that reduces frustration in the workplace, especially if the work you’re doing requires you to access many different applications quickly or simultaneously.
The most obvious drawback for SSOs is that, if a hacker gains access to the provider, they then have access to all of the user’s accounts in one fell swoop. That being said, having an SSO encourages stronger passwords and means that your interactions with various applications are encrypted on a higher level.
It’s difficult to accurately compare the safety of MFA and SSO given the fact that these are two completely different authentication systems with different goals in mind; on a basic level, MFA is focused on security while SSO is focused on user convenience. Technically, you could argue that MFA is more secure than SSO but with the potential to lock users out more often, and SSO is more accessible than MFA but less secure from outside attacks.
This is why it can be a good idea to use both systems together. SSO systems that also employ MFA get the best of both worlds; users have a seamless login experience across applications while also knowing that their account is secured by outside authentication efforts. Using both adds one step to the process of signing into accounts while streamlining the number of times you have to sign in overall, so you have convenience and peace of mind.
Keeping your accounts secure online is vitally important in an age where everything about our identities – from our financial to our personal information – is tied to the internet in some way. By enabling some form of cybersecurity on your accounts, whether you choose to use Single Sign-On or Multi-Factor Authentication, you can protect your identity from bad actors while still having the freedom to work and explore online as you so choose.
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