What is Out of band Authentication?
Out-of-band authentication is an MFA or multi-factor authentication which needs two separate communication channels. It has established its importance in identity and access management. OOBA (Out-of-band authentication) is very helpful for high-risk organizations like banks. A hacker will find it extremely hard to hack through the system and access the data when it is used.
An authentication process that requires a mobile and a computer is one instance of this type of authentication. For example, you will be able to sign in to an application on your laptop only after you approve it through a push notification system. You will confirm your intent using your smartphone, verifying it is indeed you who is taking the action on the app. Or you will need to enter the code which you receive as an SMS on your mobile to sign in.
Hackers use spoofing or “man-in-the-middle attack” where they manage to enter amidst the communication between a system and a user. In this kind of attack, hackers get control of the communication channel. They can snoop on the data being exchanged between a sender and receiver.
The hacker acts like the system and intercepts the data shared by an oblivious user. Therefore, they can easily steal passwords no matter how strong they are. Hackers are adept at finding weak links in a communication channel. Out-of-band authentication is an effective way of dealing with this vulnerability. It is a much-needed authentication and verification process.
The possibility of a man-in-the-middle attack becomes significantly lower when two communication channels are used to authenticate. Therefore, OOBA helps in safeguarding the exchanged information. It is an enhanced Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) process. Traditionally, 2FA did not use another channel simultaneously and used it only as a second form of verification.
Methods used in Out-of-Band Authentication
The system in an MFA (multifactor authentication) setting employs a minimum of two separate methods for identity confirmation. Different authentication methods have varying security levels.
Some of these authentication methods are:
- Biometrics (facial recognition/fingerprint scans/voice verification)
- Password
- Push notification
- QR code
- SMS
- Token
Out of all the methods, SMS is the easiest to intercept and makes it the least secure process.
How to implement Out of Band Authentication?
The steps mentioned below are needed to implement OOBA:
- First is identifying what requires protection.
- The second is selecting the authentication channels.
- The third is identifying the users’ requirements for using this type of authentication.
Using only a password to access a system makes security weak. Thus, most users do not have any issue with spending a few more seconds needed for OOBA. This powerful authentication process also saves a company from a potential loss of approximately 3.92 million dollars through a security breach.
Furthermore, any business organization implementing this must have efficient customer service and user support. They must be able to provide a quick solution to anyone facing authentication issues. Also, businesses need to be aware of the authentication rules and regulations of their country. For more information, please write to us at info@trueid.in
