Risk-based authentication-A pillar of a zero-trust strategy

• In today’s dynamic organizational landscape, it’s evident that companies have undergone significant transformations within just a matter of years.

• Similarly, the introduction of novel business ventures, tools, workflows, and personnel, with approximately one-third of the workforce transitioning roles annually. Additionally, the evolving tactics of cybercriminals pose new security challenges, as they continuously refine methods to steal credentials and exploit AI to fake as legitimate users.

• With the ever-changing risk environment, relying on a static security measure is no longer safe. Waiting for periodic manual reviews to update outdated security policies leaves your organization vulnerable.Embracing a risk-centric approach to cybersecurity is essential for navigating the rapid pace of change.

• Risk-based authentication serves as a prime example of this adaptable and responsive strategy for mitigating identity-related threats.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into

How risk-based authentication effectively minimizes the risk of identity-based attacks Practical strategies for seamlessly integrating risk-based authentication without causing user friction Real-world instances showcasing the efficacy of risk-based authentication

What is risk-based authentication?

• Risk-based authentication involves verifying user identities through methods according to the level of risk involved. This process includes identifying potential identity risks, along with appropriate authentication standards, and taking responsive measures to mitigate the threat of identity-based attacks.

• Characterized by its intelligence and adaptability, risk-based authentication develops a behavioral profile for each user and evaluates their activities to calculate the risk. As the risk escalates, authentication measures tighten in accordance to the risk, creating a security barrier. Users are required to fulfil these authentication criteria before accessing resources or performing privileged actions.

Benefits of risk-based authentication

• Integrating risk-based authentication with least privilege access helps enhance the protection of sensitive information and mitigates the threat posed by compromised privileged credentials.The adaptive nature of risk-based authentication enables the experience of an enhanced user.
• Authentication processes can typically remain straightforward, minimizing user frustration with excessive verifications. Authentication steps are only prompted when there is elevated risk scores, providing heightened security measures.

Examples of risk-based authentication in action

Where and when is risk-based authentication most effective?

• Applying risk-based authentication is crucial at every access control point in the attack chain. This involves the initial system login, execution of privileged commands or applications, and elevation of privileges.rivileged identities possess access to various IT resources across the infrastructure—ranging from passwords vault and workstations to databases and cloud-based services.

• Consequently, risk assessments should encompass behavior across each of these systems, as well as transitions between them. This ensures prompt detection and intervention if an attacker compromise privileged credentials and attempts movement within your environment.

• Recognizing the diversity in privileged users and behaviors, risk-based authentication evaluates access requests within a contextual framework, considering multiple factors.

For instance

The sensitivity of the data being accessed Is it confidential business information or personally identifiable information (PII) governed by privacy regulations?

User classification Is the user an internal employee, or an external vendor or contractor?

Potential ramifications What would be the impact of unauthorized alterations or damage to the accessed system or data?

Behavioral anomalies Is the activity for the user or similar profiles? This could include usage from a new device, login during unusual hours, extended periods of inactivity, or unexpected locations.When any of these criteria are met, risk-based authentication overrides standard protocols, policies, or entitlements, prompting users to fulfil additional identity verification requirements.

For example, while a user accessing the network from a corporate device may require only a password for authentication, a user logging in from an unfamiliar network using an unmanaged device may be prompted for secondary or tertiary authentication factors.

Furthermore, evolving risk-based authentication solutions are developing machine learning to analyze historical behavior and identify potentially risky patterns beyond human anticipation.

Types of risk-based authentication

Diverse methods can be integrated into your risk-based authentication strategy, including

Hardware Tokens Portable devices like smart cards, key fobs, or USB devices that generate one-time passwords (OTPs) for user authentication.

Single-Factor Cryptographic Devices Standards like FIDO U2F and FIDO2, renowned for their robust security and password less authentication, leveraging public key cryptography to counter phishing and malware threats.

Soft Tokens Software applications generating OTPs, often installed on smartphones for enhanced user convenience and accessibility.

SMS/Text message OTPs sent via text message to the registered phone numbers, requiring user input for authentication.

Phone call Authentication completed through a phone call to registered numbers, with users responding to voice prompts.

Email Authentication verification facilitated through links sent via email, confirming user identity upon interaction.

Security questions Users provide answers to personalized security queries for authentication.

Biometric Utilizing biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition for authentication, with support from modern smartphones and standards like FIDO2 incorporating on-device biometrics.These methods vary in user interaction, as some requiring direct engagement (e.g., responding to prompts), while others operate in the background to verify machine identities. Embracing a broad spectrum of authentication options provides adaptability and choice, crucial as organizations transition towards a password less future.

Risk-based authentication and zero trust

The zero-trust cybersecurity strategy is founded on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify.’ Under this strategy, trust is not assumed for anyone, whether they are within or outside the network, necessitating verification for all attempting to access network assets.

This approach is instrumental in risk authentication, as it effectively minimizes the attack surface, enhances compliance monitoring, and lowers the likelihood of data breaches. It achieves this through rigorous verification of users and devices, implementation of context-aware access controls, and enforcement of least privilege access.

Conclusion

Risk-based authentication is an essential safeguard in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. By adjusting authentication measures based on contextual risk factors, it offers a proactive defense against identity-based threats.

With the ability to minimize attack surfaces, enhance compliance, and reduce the risk of data breaches, risk-based authentication emerges as a critical component in ensuring the security and integrity of digital environments.