User
Authentication
and Authorization
Introduction
• User Authentication :A user authentication policy is a process
in which you verify that someone who is attempting to access
services and applications is who they claim to be.
• Authorization : Authorization is the process of determining
what actions or resources a user is allowed to access or perform
within a system, based on their authenticated identity and the
permissions or privileges they have been granted. It involves
enforcing policies that define who can do what, ensuring that
users only have access to the information and functionalities
that are necessary for their role or task.
User Authentication
There are several types of authentication factors:
• Knowledge-based authentication: This involves something the user
knows, such as a password, PIN, or answers to security questions.
• Possession-based authentication: This involves something the user has,
such as a smart card, token, or mobile device.
• Biometric authentication: This involves something inherent to the user,
such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more of these
factors to enhance security. For example, requiring a password
(knowledge factor) along with a fingerprint scan (biometric factor) for
access. MFA improves security by adding layers of verification, reducing
the risk of unauthorized access even if one factor is compromised.
•
Authentication Protocols
• OAuth (Open Authorization): Enables third-party access to
HTTP services.
• OpenID Connect: Authenticates end-users and retrieves basic
profile info.
• SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): Exchanges
authentication and authorization data.
• Uses:
• OAuth: Social media login for third-party websites.
• OpenID Connect: Single sign-on for related software systems.
• SAML: Enterprise single sign-on for multiple applications.
• Strengths: Each protocol has unique strengths, and organizations
choose based on their specific needs.
Authorization Mechanisms
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Lists of permissions attached to an
object that specify which users or system processes are granted
access to objects, as well as what operations are allowed on given
objects.
• Capabilities: Tokens of authority (i.e., the capability) to perform a
specific system operation, granted to processes or users.
• Permissions Assignment and Management:
• Permissions are assigned based on user roles or attributes.
• Managed through user/group settings or policy configuration in
various systems.
• Use Cases:
• ACLs: Specify who can read, write, or execute files.
• Capabilities: Authorize specific actions like accessing a database or
running a privileged operation.
Best Practices
• Implementing Strong Password Policies: Require complex passwords, regular updates, and multi-
factor authentication.
• Regularly Reviewing and Updating Access Permissions: Ensure access is granted based on current
roles and responsibilities.
• Using Encryption to Protect Sensitive Data: Encrypt data both at rest and in transit to prevent
unauthorized access.
• Benefits:
• Enhanced security and data protection.
• Mitigation of risks associated with unauthorized access.
Case Studies
• Data Breaches Due to Weak
Authentication/Authorization: Examples of
breaches (e.g., Equifax, Yahoo) highlighting
consequences of inadequate security measures.
• Lessons Learned and Best Practices:
Organizations adopting multi-factor authentication,
regular security audits, and access control reviews.
• Future Trends: Integration of biometric
authentication, zero-trust security models, and AI-
driven threat detection.
• Takeaways:
• Importance of robust authentication and
authorization practices.
• Continuous adaptation to evolving security threats.
Future Trends
• Biometric Authentication Advancements:
Integration of advanced biometric technologies
(e.g., facial recognition, fingerprint scanning) for
secure and convenient authentication.
• Zero-Trust Security Model: Shift from traditional
perimeter-based security to a model where no
entity, whether inside or outside the network, is
trusted by default.
• Implications for Authentication/Authorization:
• Biometrics enhance security and user experience.
• Zero-trust model emphasizes continuous
verification and strict access control.
Conclusion
• User authentication and authorization are critical components of
data security, ensuring that only authorized users have access to
sensitive information.
• By implementing strong authentication measures, such as multi-
factor authentication and regular password updates, organizations
can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
• Authorization mechanisms, such as access control lists and
capabilities, help organizations manage permissions and ensure
that users only have access to the resources they need.
• Looking ahead, advancements in biometric authentication and the
adoption of zero-trust security models are expected to further
enhance authentication and authorization practices, providing a
more secure digital environment for users.
• Thank You!
PRESENTED BY:
• P.HARISAIRAM
• 2211CS040129
• CS-BETA
