Password authentication is a fundamental security mechanism used to verify the identity of users attempting to access a computer system, application, or online service. It is a widely adopted method for user authentication and relies on users providing a secret passphrase, known as a password, which they have previously chosen and shared with the system.
What is password authentication?
To enhance security, passwords are typically not stored in their raw form but are instead stored as cryptographic hash values. When a user enters their password, the system hashes it and compares it to the stored hash.
The authentication system compares the hash of the entered password to the hash of the stored password associated with the user's account. If they match, the user is granted access; if not, access is denied.
hashing
Password vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses or flaws in the way passwords are created, managed, or used that can make systems, accounts, or data more susceptible to unauthorized access and security breaches. These vulnerabilities can lead to serious consequences, including data breaches, identity theft, and compromised systems.
Common vulnerabilities include:
Which of the following is NOT a good practice for creating a secure password?
Why should you avoid using the same password for multiple accounts?
Weak passwords are a significant security risk, as they can be easily guessed or cracked by attackers, leading to unauthorized access to accounts, systems, and sensitive data. Several factors contribute to the weakness of passwords:
Short passwords are more susceptible to brute force attacks, where an attacker systematically tries all possible combinations until the correct password is found.
Passwords that consist solely of lowercase letters, or only contain letters and numbers without special characters, lack complexity. Complex passwords take longer to crack using brute and dictionary methods
Passwords that are based on common dictionary words, phrases, or easily guessable patterns (e.g., "password," "123456," "admin") are vulnerable to dictionary attacks.
Passwords that follow predictable patterns, such as "abcdefg," "12345," or "qwerty," are easily guessable.
Using personal information like names, birthdays, or family members' names makes passwords more guessable. Attackers can often find this information online or through social engineering.
Creating a strong password is crucial for enhancing your online security and protecting your accounts from unauthorized access.
Here are some tips to help you create a strong password:
What is a password manager?
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), also known as two-step verification, is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors before they can gain access to a system, account, or application. These factors fall into three main categories:
This factor involves information that the user knows, such as a password, PIN, or security questions. It's the traditional username and password combination.
This factor includes something physical that the user possesses, such as a mobile device, smart card, security token, or an authentication app that generates one-time codes.
This factor relies on biometric data, like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, which uniquely identify the user based on their physical or behavioral traits.