Integrating the latest technologies into your business processes does not necessarily mean that you are immune to ever-expanding modern cybersecurity threats.
When we talk about various cyber threats, most of them aim to bypass the weak layer of authentication on online platforms that affect crucial business data and possibly endanger sensitive consumer information.
So, does this mean that most cybercriminals attack users and exploit businesses by targeting weak authentication and login mechanisms?
Unfortunately yes!
And to minimize risk, businesses must first understand the fundamental difference when comparing authentication to login. Once they know the aspects of authentication versus login, the next step is to provide a tight layer of security for their users.
Authentication is about identifying users and validating who they claim to be. One of the most common and apparent factors in identity authentication is a password.
If the username matches the password, the identity is valid and the system grants access to the user.
Interestingly, businesses going passwordless, many use modern authentication techniques like one-time passcodes (OTP) via SMS or email, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometrics, etc. authenticate users and extend security beyond what passwords typically provide.
In the field of computer and information security, login is the standard process by which an individual gains access to specific resources, computer systems or networks once they are identified and authenticated.
User credentials are usually used in a username and a password is called a login.
In a nutshell, connecting to a device, database, computer, account, or network system through a username and password is called a login.
- Lack of password complexity: It’s one thing to educate your consumers about the complexity of passwords; for example, they must use uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. But it’s a whole different story when you take the initiative to set it up. Ensure that for each account, a consumer’s password is unique. This means no repetitions.
- Brute force attacks: When hackers use a trial and error method to guess the correct passwords, it is a brute force attack. Hackers use dedicated tools to perform a large number of login attempts at high speed. Usually, these attacks are automated using a list of frequently used usernames and passwords.
- User generated credentials: When consumers create their passwords, there’s always a chance they’ll come up with weak credentials that are easily vulnerable to cyberattacks. Consumers may unknowingly ignore password security best practices because they are more likely to have something easy to remember. As a result, hackers can adjust their brute force systems and crack open passwords in no time.
- Unpatched security vulnerabilities: With thousands of threats being discovered daily, one of the biggest risks an organization can take is not fixing or “fixing” specific vulnerabilities once they are detected. It’s quite common for consumers to dismiss “update available” alerts in some programs because they don’t want to waste a few minutes. They don’t know that updating patches can protect them from serious cyber attacks.
- Social engineering attacks: This happens when hackers psychologically manipulate consumers into giving up their login credentials. Common warning signs of social engineering attacks include asking for immediate assistance, luring them in with too-good-to-be-true offers, and threatening reprimands if their requests are ignored.
When we talk about authentication vs. login, the most crucial aspect that enterprises should not miss is how they can overcome all the security challenges.
And to overcome these challenges, enterprises need to integrate a reliable new-age identity and access management (CIAM) solution like LoginRadius that helps strengthen security without hampering the overall user experience.
The LoginRadius CIAM simplifies every business task that deals with your individual customers, including those who have not yet registered on your site. CIAM seamlessly connects authentication, customer management, sales, marketing, business intelligence, and services with a single data hub for all identities.
Here is what LoginRadius CIAM offers:
LoginRadius provides essential security features that protect data and account access. For example, with risk-based authentication, each customer’s usage and login patterns are monitored, making it easy to spot unusual (potentially fraudulent) activity.
For use cases where you need an extra layer of security, you can enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), which verifies a customer’s identity by requiring a second step, such as entering a SMS code or the click on an e-mail link.
Your secure login procedures reassure customers that they are using your services safely, which is critical with the number of public data breaches making headlines.
In the CIAM landscape, a business can gain an advantage by implementing new advanced login options offered by LoginRadius that are not yet widely adopted. These connection methods further improve customer experience, customer trust, or both.
LoginRadius CIAM offers a variety of next-age secure login options, including:
- Login without password
- One-touch connection
- Smart connection
With a single fully managed customer identity management system for you, reliability is maximized and resource requirements are minimized. LoginRadius’ centralized login system for all your apps and services makes it easy to add new services as they come online.
A cloud implementation can quickly scale up or down depending on your usage, and automated failover can reduce downtime to virtually zero.
When we talk about authentication and login, user and business security should not be compromised, regardless of the authentication method used by a business.
Since most cyberattacks are targeted by bypassing the weak authentication layer, businesses need to understand the importance of a reliable consumer identity and access management solution.
The LoginRadius CIAM platform is designed to help businesses achieve their targeted goals by improving customer experience, improving overall authentication security, and meeting regulatory compliances.
If you want to find out how LoginRadius works for your business, contact us today to schedule a free personalized demo.
