The term Authentication is related to the process of verification needed by a system to access the identity of the user of that particular system. Authentication, the information, usually known only by the user, is basically needed for security and privacy purposes of the user who accesses those systems. This is also to protect the digital data regarding the users used by the system, and prevent them from unauthorized system access or user identity theft.

Authentication can be implemented using various ways specifically ones accessible through the required systems such as User IDs, Passwords, Security Codes, Tokens, Magnetic Tokens, Digital Certificates, Phones and Smart Cards etc.

More than one Factors of Authentication is needed for an advanced level of verification to provide a high level of security in the systems.
This is also called “Strong Authentication”, a form of security process used in computers for the identities of its users, Or Multi- Factor Authentication, which uses multiple factors for verification of user’s identification or information.

Two- Factor Authentication (T-FA) is a process of security that requires two any kinds of information or identification of the users in order to access the system.

Two- Factor Authentication mainly includes:

1.     Some physical means of identification;
Such as a token or card etc.

OR

2.      Something that is memorized;
Such as a security code or a password, etc…

Where and How is Two-Factor Authentication Used?

The T-FA is usually implemented in our daily lives. Using the ATM Machine for instance;

The user inserts the card (physical means of identification that he has), then he is asked to enter the security or the pin code (memorized; information known only to the user). After the verification of these two factors the users is then allowed to access the system.

It is also used in other kinds of Magnetic Cards such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Gift Cards etc. Each magnetic card has its own unique characteristic within its magnetic stripe card which is more like the card’s own fingerprint known as the magnetic fingerprint. Every card’s unique characteristics and magnetic fingerprint makes it different from others and impossible to re-issue a similar magnetic card to another user. When these cards are swiped through the systems it provides a correlative number, dynamic digital identifier which is then verified for authenticity.
Biometrics

The term Biometrics is also related to Multi-Factor Authentication.
These kinds of systems require more than one factor to allow the user to access the system. The process of verification may ask the user for fingerprint, voice and iris scan along with the PIN or password to access the credential identity.

Two Factor Authentication plays an essential role in the security of a user’s identity and is therefore subjected to provide convenient access of systems.

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