Cloud Communications

Multifactor Authentication to Be a Big Player in 2013 IT Projects

By Steve Anderson Contributing TMCnet Writer

The password may well be one of the most ubiquitous developments in technology today. There are passwords to get into devices, passwords to reach websites and even passwords on shut down systems – and that's just for computers. The thing is, passwords can be easy to guess. While we may all be aware of this fact, even so-called "optimal" passwords made of "non-traditional" words with numbers and letters and symbols in place can be less than valuable in the face of brute force password cracking technology. This is where multifactor authentication comes into play.

In short, multifactor authentication is set to be a better solution for password security than most any other because it relies on multiple different factors as part of a kind of aggregate password. While a password is still part of the mix, it's not the only part, as different points like smart cards, biometrics, tokens or several others can be part of the affair. It's being predicted that many IT projects will be focused on strengthening this kind of protection via this concept, but getting a multifactor system set up isn't quite as easy as some may think.

The best way to roll out a multifactor authentication system is best described as "gradually.” In other words, roll it out in phases, beginning with a project of limited scope. Identify those systems that even can accommodate a multifactor authentication system, and them evaluate them accordingly. Interoperability will play a significant role in the overall process – what good is an authentication system that can't be used with the other systems in an operation – and creating pilot systems and virtual test labs can go a long way toward ensuring that the system at least works in microcosm.

With the microcosmic view in place, the wider picture can then be considered. If it works in the smaller scale, the chances of it similarly working in the larger are much improved. But still, consider the launch in only an incrementally-wider rollout, including both IT and non-IT staffers to check for any further impact. From there, a company-wide rollout can begin assuming successful tests, but further monitoring will be important to ensure full operational capability.

Multifactor authentication is likely to gain a lot of ground in the not too distant future, as enterprise users look for a better way to protect their operations and processes, as well as their valuable proprietary information. Using multiple protection systems at once offers a great solution for protecting files, but actually putting it into place and making sure it runs as well as it can when it's there may not be as simple as some would hope for.

To learn more about multifactor authentication from an industry expert, click here.

View More