Multi Factor Authentication

Multi factor authentication is a method of authentication based on more than the normal single factor method of using a username and password. The most common type of multi factor authentication is two factor authentication which relies on two independent factors to complete an authentication request.
The second factor of two factor authentication can be something you have such as any of the following:

• A number sent or generated on a cell phone
• A number generated on token
• A USB token which must be inserted in to a USB port
• Smart cards which must be swiped

The second factor could also be "something you are" such as:

• A fingerprint
• The unique properties of your retina
• Other biometric information that is unique to individuals

Together these factors can be combined to make stealing or impersonating an identity much more difficult. There are many such systems available on the market, and most applications today, allows one to integrate multi factor authentication.

Together these factors can be combined to make stealing or impersonating an identity much more difficult. There are many such systems available on the market, and most applications today, allows one to integrate multi factor authentication.

Single Sign-on (SSO)

Single sign-on (SSO) describes the functionality of using a single set of credentials to authenticate to multiple systems. The strength in single sign-on is two fold. Firstly, a user does not need to remember multiple passwords and secondly because passwords do not need to be remembered, they can be made stronger without the risk of being compromised through common methods. Today's solutions allow you to effortlessly use a single set of credentials to authenticate into any application, even custom in house applications. Together with multi factor authentication this can increase security dramatically.

User Provisioning

User provisioning is the process of managing the credentials, authentication methods and access of users. When the number of users in an organisation increases this can become a substantial task. A user provisioning system will allow administrators to create, delete, suspend, restore, change and audit accounts.

Digital Signatures

More and more organisations are moving to eliminate or certainly limit paper based documents in their business process. This transition is creating a need to verify the authenticity of documents, communications and transactions. Digital signatures allows this to be done effectively.