What is 3-factor authentication (3FA)?
Three-factor authentication is the use of a person’s live biometric data in addition to their security credentials and an authentication code sent by SMS.
3FA provides the highest possible level of user security for accessing accounts and making transactions.
Biometric authentication may include a fingerprint, a retina scan, or a scan of the person’s entire face. This makes it almost impossible for hackers to bypass.
What is the benefit of 3-Factor Authentication?
The key benefit of 3FA and 2FA is that they vastly reduce the chances of fraud and identity theft as a result of data breaches and stolen passwords. While it is theoretically possible to breach 2FA systems if the fraudster has control of a person’s mobile phone – the addition of a biometric check means that remote fraud is not possible.
This allows companies to add a layer of confidence when authorizing access to customer accounts remotely.
What are the three factors that make up 3FA?
- Something you know: This is a piece of information that a person knows – it could be a username, password, answer to a security question, or a touch gesture on a smart phone screen.
- Something you have: This is a physical object that a person has in their possession. It could be a smart card, a device like a phone or USB drive, or most commonly a token device that provides a pin code to access an application or online service.
- Something you are: This can include any unique physical facet of a person that can be used to verify their identity. It could be anything from a simple fingerprint to a facial scan or even DNA.
What is 4-Factor Authentication (4FA)?
4FA is simply a 3FA authentication solution with the addition of a check on a person’s physical location, based on geometric data or network location. This could be used to block transactions outside of a prescribed territory, or even outside of a company’s premises.
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What is 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication), and how can you implement it?
Your customers’ security should be one of your highest priorities. Learn about 2FA and how it can help you protect your customers.
What is multifactor authentication (MFA)?
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires users to provide 2 or more verification factors to access an account.
What is password hashing?
Password hashing is a process that transforms your password into a jumbled, unrecognizable string of characters (the “hash”).
What is zero-trust security?
Zero-trust security assumes no user, device, or network traffic should be trusted by default, even within the organization’s network.
What is passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication is a way to identify your identity without using a password. Instead, it uses more secure alternatives like possession factors or biometrics.
Two-Factor Authentication
SMS two factor authentication from Infobip offers an extremely effective way of protecting your users and their transactions from fraud.
