Common authentication technologies include:
Password-based Authentication: This is the most basic form where users provide a username and password to gain access. For example, logging into an email account with a username and password.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification after the password. Common methods include SMS codes, authenticator apps, or biometric verification. For instance, when you log into a banking app, it might ask for a code sent to your phone after entering your password.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is similar to 2FA but involves more than two verification methods. It could include something you know (password), something you have (a token), and something you are (fingerprint).
Biometric Authentication: This uses unique physical or behavioral characteristics of a user for authentication. Examples include fingerprint scans, facial recognition, and iris scans. Many smartphones now use facial recognition to unlock.
Single Sign-On (SSO): This allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple systems without needing to authenticate again. For example, a company might use SSO to allow employees to access various internal applications with a single login.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): This uses a pair of cryptographic keys, one public and one private, for authentication. It's commonly used in secure email communication and VPN access.
OAuth: This is an open standard for access delegation, commonly used as a way for users to grant websites or applications access to their information on other websites but without giving them the passwords. For example, when you log into a third-party app using your Google account.
For businesses looking to implement robust authentication solutions, cloud services like Tencent Cloud offer a variety of tools and services that support these technologies, ensuring secure access management for applications and data.