Dual Authentication: A Necessary Extra Layer of Security

Okta's cloud-based authentication gives users high-assurance with simple-to-use factors like biometrics and push notifications.

Dual authentication, also called two-factor authentication or 2FA, can improve online security by requiring more than just a password to gain access. 

Cybersecurity is increasingly important as more of our lives move to the digital world. Sensitive data and information can easily fall prey to malicious cybercriminals and bad actors. 

Dual authentication requires the use of an additional authentication method with your login credentials, usually a biometric factor or security token. This extra layer of security can make it harder for unauthorised users to access your accounts and information. 

Two-factor authentication better controls access to sensitive systems and confidential data.

What is dual authentication?

In short, dual authentication uses two forms of authentication methods to verify identity. In addition to 2FA and two-factor authentication, it’s also sometimes referenced as two-step verification and dual factor authentication

This is a step up from single-factor authentication (SFA), which allows access to a system or account with just a login and password. Login credentials can be breached, hacked, or stolen. As a result, multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods that require more than one form of authorisation are more secure.

Dual authentication requires the use of two of the three recognised factors for identification verification:

  • Something you know, usually a password or PIN
  • Something you have, like a cell phone, credit card, or hardware token
  • Something you are, such as a biometric marker like a fingerprint or facial scan

Dual authentication methods use two of these authentication factors to access a system or service. 

How dual authentication works

To use dual authentication, a user must provide two authorisation factors, and each one must be from a different category. 

For instance, a password and answer to a secret question are both considered knowledge-based authentication factors and therefore do not count as two-factor authentication methods. Instead, you will need to provide a password and then a second factor, like a fingerprint, to gain access and verify your identity.

Each vendor or application can have a different method for enabling two-factor authentication, but the general multistep process looks like this:

  1. Application or website prompts a user to input login credentials.
  2. The user enters knowledge-based information, which is typically a username and password.
  3. If a password is not required, the website is often using a unique security key that is validated and authenticated by the website’s server.
  4. The website or application will then request the second form of authentication through a second login step.
  5. The user will provide something that they have or possess, which can include a facial recognition scan, fingerprint scan, ID card, security token, or smartphone.
  6. A user may be prompted to enter a one-time code that is generated during the previous step to their specified device.
  7. Both authentication factors are verified, and access is granted.

A user will need to be able to provide both forms of authentication to access the service or product, so even if one of these is compromised,