Strong authentication is a way of confirming a user’s identity when passwords are not enough.
Most companies demand proof before allowing access to digital assets. You might ask users to type in a password or respond to a quick quiz before you open the gates. Anything you do to confirm permissions is an authentication step.
Strong authentication techniques put security first. Rather than making it easy for anyone to move through your systems and tap into resources, you add a few extra hoops to ensure that your users are who they say they are and access only what you have deemed appropriate.
What Is Strong Authentication?
The username/password combination has been the standard authentication mechanism for decades. Strong authentication techniques build on that foundation.
Strong authentication techniques combine two independent factors to confirm someone's identity and access. Compromising one leaves the other intact, so systems stay safe. And one element isn't ever reused, so it's nearly impossible to steal.