Network Authentication Methods You Should Know

What is Network Authentication?

Network authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system attempting to access a network. It ensures that only authorized entities can connect to and use network resources, protecting against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.

Network authentication is one of the most foundational elements of network access security. At its core, it authenticates your identity and authorizes your access.

The importance of user authentication is difficult to overstate. In an era when highly sensitive information is always under threat, authentication types serve as a first line of defense.

Types of Network Authentication

Each method of authentication type has strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider various authentication factors in a thoughtful way.

Here’s a table comparing some of the key types of network authentication.

Authentication Method	Pros	Cons
Password-Based	Easy to implement, widely used	Vulnerable to weak passwords and reuse
Two-Factor (2FA)	Enhanced security with an additional factor	Can be inconvenient, complex to set up
Biometric	High security through unique physical traits	Privacy concerns, potential data vulnerabilities
Certificate-Based	Strong security with digital certificates	Requires PKI infrastructure
Token-Based	Secure access without password sharing	Needs secure token storage and transmission

1. Password-Based Authentication

Password protection mechanisms are a cornerstone of network security, because they are simple to use and universally implemented.

It authenticates users by having them enter a shared secret passcode to gain entry to a network or database.

Though simple to use, the system also presents deep security vulnerabilities. Weak passwords as well as password reuse across multiple systems expose users to attack.

To reduce these risks, it’s vital to have robust password policies in place.

This means employing strong passwords, updating them frequently, and steering clear of easily guessed names or patterns. To keep passwords strong but still manageable, consider employing a password manager to create and save hard-to-crack passwords.

That way your passwords will be impossible to crack and different for each account

2. Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the next step in network authentication, providing an additional step beyond the password. Users need to present at least one other form of authentication.

This might be a code texted to their mobile phone, or one generated by an authentication application.

This two-pronged method is an incredibly effective way of increasing security, as it makes sure that even if a password is lost, unauthorized access is still improbable.

Common methods for the second factor are one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to your phone, hardware tokens, or biometric verification. 2FA is one of the most impactful security measures available.

Unfortunately, the additional steps and complex configuration required can make it an inconvenience at best and a pain at worst, though.

While this doesn’t make it perfect, its power to prevent unauthorized access makes it a great asset in safeguarding confidential data.

RELATED: The Benefits of 2-Factor Authentication: Enhancing Your Business Security

3. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication uses unique physical traits, like fingerprints or facial recognition, to authenticate a user’s identity. This type of authentication is extremely robust as no two people have identical biometrics.

Apple’s Face ID and Touch ID became the gold standards for biometric security.

Not surprisingly, approximately 80% of consumer devices now feature this high-end biometric technology.

When it comes to authentication, biometric-based solutions have obvious benefits. It’s also very good at preventing unauthorized access since it’s hard to duplicate someone’s distinct biological features.

We should look to mitigate privacy issues and possible weaknesses associated with storing biometric data. Taking these steps will go a long way toward ensuring a robust security and user trust.

RELATED: Understanding Biometric Authentication

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~70% of cyber attacks against businesses start with compromised credentials.

Forbes 

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4. Certificate-Based Authentication

Certificate-based authentication issues digital certificates to authenticate users, devices and machines, based on a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) that provides and maintains these digital certificates.

This approach makes a strong alternative to legacy password-based authentication by enabling fast and secure encrypted access.

Certificates make sure that only trusted, validated users are allowed on the network, meaning malicious users can’t get in.

The implementation of SSL—its successor, TLS—has been the real magic here, encrypting communications. Certificate-based authentication is a premier choice in a high-security environment.

It’s truly invaluable where corporate networks are concerned and with sensitive online transactions.

RELATED: Understanding the benefits of an SSL Certificate for your Business Website

5. Token-Based Authentication

Token-based authentication involves temporary access tokens. These tokens provide users with exclusive, temporary access to a network.

This method also provides critical security benefits, including enabling passwordless access to further mitigate risk by eliminating passwords. There are a number of methods to generate these tokens.

One promising approach is via Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) standards, which use public key cryptography instantiated on local devices such as tokens or smartphones.

Expiration of tokens also adds a layer of security, making sure that access is limited to a certain period of time. How you store and transmit these tokens also matters tremendously.

Any single breach would be able to undermine the entire system.

Common Authentication Protocols

Overview of Authentication Protocols

Authentication protocols serve as the backbone of network security by verifying the identity of users and devices. These common authentication protocols help make sure that only the right people can access sensitive information, which is critical in protecting data integrity.

Protocols such as RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP, and Kerberos create a trust relationship between users and enterprise systems.

This trust is foundational to defending dynamic network environments with zero trust networks. They authenticate users’ credentials and maintain privacy by encrypting communications.

Pain points still exist, like key management and evolving threats. Beyond enabling connectivity, authentication protocols play a critical role in protecting data by blocking unauthorized access to personal and organizational data.

Selecting the best authentication protocol for an enterprise network largely comes down to the particular needs of that network.

Protocols provide a common language for secure access, allowing interoperability between different technologies.

RADIUS and TACACS+ are often preferred by large enterprise networks due to their robust security capabilities. On the other hand, EAP is desirable for wireless and remote access.

Choosing the right protocol means knowing the needs of the network and what will work with current infrastructure.

Understanding RADIUS and TACACS+

RADIUS is most often associated with remote access, authenticating user identities from a central server. While it supports many different authentication types, it only encrypts the password, leaving everything else in the packet unencrypted.

On the other hand, TACACS+ encrypts the whole packet, offering better security, which makes it more suitable for device management and administrative access.

RADIUS really comes into its own in environments where remote access is still the norm. Its efficiency and scalability make it especially suitable for VPNs and wireless networks.

TACACS+ really shines in environments that require very granular control over how devices are managed. It also helps administrators to best authorize, authenticate, and audit user activity.

Organizations will need to consider their security requirements to determine the balance between RADIUS’s scalability and TACACS+’s complete encryption.

Exploring LDAP and Kerberos

LDAP is a protocol standard for accessing and maintaining directory information, which simplifies user management and provides directory services.

It powers thousands of applications and services today, including being used as a directory service to allow centralized management of user authentication types.

Kerberos increases security by using mutual authentication, which is a crucial aspect of network access security. This mutual authentication process allows both the user and the server to verify each other’s identity, minimizing the risk of hacking and eavesdropping in the middle.

Kerberos provides several authentication options, including passwords and Single Sign-On (SSO), which enhance account security. It has been the de facto standard for Microsoft applications since the introduction of Windows 2000.

Its secure communication capabilities also make it a great fit for environments where devices are sharing information that needs to be kept secure.

Combining LDAP and Kerberos together makes enterprise networks even stronger, offering a solid form of authentication and directory services.

Kerberos’s strength of securing communications even in unsecured environments makes it a great versatile option.

By implementing these protocols, organizations can have better and more secure control over user access.

This authentication framework greatly lowers the chance of data breaches, which typically occur due to compromised or inadequate passwords.

Protocol	Key Features
RADIUS	Remote access, centralized authentication, partial encryption
TACACS+	Device management, full packet encryption, detailed auditing
LDAP	Directory services, user management, centralized access
Kerberos	Mutual authentication, SSO support, secure communication

Wireless Network Authentication Configuration

Configuring Wireless Network Settings

When deploying wireless network authentication, the process starts with configuring the network.

Here’s a list of steps you can follow:

• Determine the specific security requirements of your organization.
• Opt for protocols such as 802.1X, which is broadly supported and built for wired networks.
• Use onboarding software like SecureW2 to simplify configuration, reducing manual errors.

Being a certificate-based method, EAP-TLS provides strong security by reducing the chances of credential theft. For Windows OS, you can configure manually or use device onboarding software to configure automatically.

Ensure all settings align with security protocols and perform thorough tests.

Aligning these configurations with an organization’s specific security policies is foundationally important. Adhering to these policies makes sure that their configurations satisfy compliance requirements and provide a uniform security posture.

By adhering to these specifications, you reduce the risks that come from patchwork implementations.

People often make the same critical error during setup by ignoring the necessity of routine updates and patches. This oversight may leave your network susceptible to attacks from all angles.

These updates are imperative, as they fix vulnerabilities that have been found through the years, creating a better security posture for the network.

Having multi-factor authentication integrated makes you more secure by default. It forces users to authenticate their identity in more than one way, which drastically reduces the chance of an unwarranted breach.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are critical for monitoring failed authentication attempts.

IDS also monitor network traffic to identify any unusual or suspicious activity, immediately alerting system administrators to possible security breaches. With IDS, you can put yourself one step ahead of threats and take action to prevent them from developing.

Continuously implementing robust security measures such as data encryption and firewalls helps protect sensitive data while in transit.

RELATED: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): What is an IDS, and how does it protect Businesses?

Implementing Advanced Security Features

Advanced security features such as device profiling and profiling enforcement are central to comprehensive network security solutions.

Here’s a comparison of some features available for wired networks:

Feature	Description	Benefit
802.1X	Port-based authentication	Ensures only authorized devices access the network
EAP-TLS	Certificate-based method	Reduces risk of credential theft
Encryption	Protects data in transit	Prevents unauthorized data interception
Firewalls	Controls access to resources	Blocks malicious traffic

Cryptographic methods are essential for protecting stored and transferred data. With encryption, decrypted data is not visible, even when the traffic is tapped.

Firewalls further support this by enforcing access to critical network resources, only allowing legitimate traffic to flow.

These security features work together symbiotically to create a strong, layered security posture. These three components collaborate to safeguard against unauthorized access and data breaches.

With this proactive approach, organizations can build an impenetrable security infrastructure to maintain their organization’s integrity and protect sensitive data.

Security Features for Wired Networks

Enabling Encryption Techniques

Encryption methods are a critical pillar in protecting wired network communications, providing a powerful defense against illicit intrusion. These methods use encryption to translate information into a different form to keep it secure from those without the secret key.

Encryption is also extremely important as it relates to protecting sensitive data that traverses the network wires. Wired networks are encrypted by default. Wired networks use various encryption techniques to keep the network secure.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and RSA are two powerful options that provide strong protection. AES is so widely adopted in part due to its efficiency, but also its strength.

This also makes it a great option for encrypting data over wired networks.

By securing data while it is in transit, encryption serves as a deterrent against interception, allowing only authorized users to access sensitive information.

Putting encryption architectures to work within a network infrastructure consists of several steps.

First, determine what data should be encrypted and choose the right encryption approach accordingly.

Next, set up the network devices to allow for encryption. This may require upgrading devices’ firmware or software to make their devices compatible with the chosen encryption protocols.

Regular monitoring and testing of these encryption systems are the best ways to ensure security.

RELATED: Understanding the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): Enhancing Your Data Security

Utilizing Network Access Control (NAC)

NAC is an essential layer of security. It manages who gets on a network by making sure only trusted devices are allowed to connect.

NAC solutions actively monitor and enforce security policies. It scans devices prior to network access and determines whether or not they are compliant to agreed upon security policies.

This process has tremendous benefits, including ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network and blocking the spread of malware from one part of a network to another.

NAC can prevent a device without the latest security updates from connecting to the network, thus lessening the chances of a breach.

To really make NAC work you need a few critical components. These are a clear policy framework, intuitive and effective device profiling, and a strong authentication process.

By integrating NAC solutions, you’ll strengthen your network’s security posture. It helps make sure that any device coming onto the network meets your security policies.

This adds another layer of protection to your network and threat landscape.

Addressing Wired Network Authentication Vulnerabilities

Weak passwords, outdated software, unpatched systems, and inadequate encryption are common vulnerabilities in wired networks.

Inadequate authentication mechanisms increase the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches and network compromise, with serious security implications.

Conducting regular vulnerability assessments helps identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that network defenses remain robust.

Focus on addressing vulnerabilities that pose the highest risk to network security, such as those that could lead to data theft or service disruption.

Vulnerabilities in Wired Network Authentication

In wired network authentication, a deadly triad of vulnerabilities can be fatal. Software that is no longer supported and systems that have not been patched are major threats. These systems are sometimes a decade behind security technology, leaving them vulnerable to exploits.

For example, vulnerabilities in RADIUS server software can be exploited by adversaries, allowing them to gain unauthorized access.

One of the most important aspects to address is the danger of social engineering attacks. Through social engineering, attackers play with the psyche to deceive people into providing information they shouldn’t.

This can lead to inadvertent clicks of malicious attachments or links leading to significant monetary harm.

Implementing best practices for vulnerability management such as keeping systems up-to-date and using Network Access Control (NAC) systems is essential. NAC systems check the health of endpoints first, only allowing compliant devices access to the network.

Adopting a Zero Trust security model across enterprise wired networks greatly improves their defenses. It enforces that every access request is subjected to stringent scrutiny.

RELATED: Zero-Trust Network Access: Designing a Zero Trust Network

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~75% of leaders are planning on implementing zero-trust architecture in the future, with ~15% of them already using the technology.

Pulse Firemon

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Identifying Common Vulnerabilities

Implementing guest access strategies that allow for secure administration are key. Establish strict barriers between guest and internal networks to avoid any potential access by outsiders.

Keeping guest access segregated from internal networks is an important step in protecting against threats.

This separation gives IT the peace of mind that guests are unable to reach sensitive internal resources. Deploying temporary credentials minimizes security risks by greatly reducing the window of opportunity for unauthorized access.

By keeping a close eye on guest activity, you can further enhance the security of your network and address any questionable behavior before it becomes a bigger threat.

Addressing Guest Access Challenges

Implementing guest access policies takes some thought. With clear policies governing guest network access, misuse and subsequent breaches can be avoided.

It’s also critical to educate users about the risks inherent in granting access to any network.

Just as importantly, awareness helps keep us from making security mistakes by accident. Making a habit of routinely reviewing and updating guest access policies can go a long way in keeping them effective against ever-changing threats.

Managing Guest Access Securely

To create a secure guest access solution, the first step is developing specific and formal policies. These policies should outline what is acceptable for guests and establish clear access restrictions.

Important elements of these policies include:

• Time-bound access to prevent prolonged use
• Restricted access to sensitive areas of the network
• Clear terms of acceptable use
• Regular authentication to maintain security

Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, is critical. It protects you from legal risk and protects your sensitive data from being exposed through guest access.

Ensuring that you communicate these policies clearly to your guests and staff is essential.

Whatever your strategy, use clear signage, digital agreements, and frequent training to ensure all of your guests know the rules and expectations.

Implementing Guest Access Policies

Keeping track of guest access is essential for security compliance. Conducting regular audits of network activity can help determine areas of unusual activity that could indicate a security breach.

Tools, such as intrusion detection systems and NAC (Network Access Control) systems, are also extremely useful.

They offer complete session logs and they pre-screen endpoint health to ensure only secure devices are granted access.

The inspections these logs enable can identify patterns of suspicious behavior in real time. If you see an anomaly, security best practices dictate that you should take action right away – like revoking access or launching a deep-dive investigation.

Monitoring and Auditing Guest Access

User authentication is a key component for protecting sensitive data. When you make sure that only authorized users are able to access your systems, you protect yourself from a major cyber threat.

Strong strategies such as EAP-TLS encryption are great deterrents against unauthorized access. In fact, there’s a huge gap between user authentication and regulatory compliance.

When implemented properly, authentication increases the overall trust of the network, ensuring that your organization, as well as your guests, will be safe and secure.

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~60% of organizations have 500 or more passwords that never expire.

Varonis

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Importance of User Authentication

User authentication is an important line of defense when it comes to protecting your digital environment. It provides protection against malicious entities who seek to come in and do harm to your systems.

Implementing robust user authentication methods, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), is a must for addressing various security issues.

MFA is an approach that requires you to use at least two factors to verify your identity.

This additional layer greatly increases the difficulty of hackers accessing your account, thereby enhancing the overall network access security.

This method hugely reduces the chance of unwanted access and provides an additional level of security beyond simply entering a username and password.

Imagine the situation if you’re using the same password on other platforms. In those instances, a compromise of one account might put every one of your accounts at risk.

Users are known to recycle passwords across multiple accounts, which is a significant security issue. It’s only understandable, considering the amount of online identities they juggle on a daily basis.

This common practice often has disastrous results.

A cloud-based identity and access management solution, like Microsoft Entra, can help make your access smarter and simpler. It also ensures comprehensive security measures to protect your data.

These solutions provide a range of tools to ensure users can access the resources they need securely and seamlessly, while reducing the risk of account takeover.

Key Points to Note

When you implement the best authentication protocols, you prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network and protect sensitive data. When configured properly, wired networks provide an inherently more secure environment.

User authentication is your first line of defense, protecting your network from internal and external dangers.

• Network authentication authenticates user identity and access rights. It serves as a security layer providing against unapproved access, shielding valuable information.
• There are many different network authentication methods, each with their own security and complexities. These techniques range from password based to two-factor, biometric, certificate based, and token based authentication.
• While password-based authentication is easy to implement and well-understood, it is also insecure because of the prevalence of weak and reused passwords. Setting minimum password complexity requirements and ensuring users have the resources and knowledge to create strong passwords can help to address this risk.
• Two-factor authentication makes accounts safer by adding a second layer of verification on top of passwords. This approach offers better protection.
• The biometric authentication process uses one’s unique physical characteristics, like a fingerprint or face ID as a way of limiting access to only authorized individuals. With the benefits, come privacy concerns and potential vulnerabilities connected to this highly sensitive biometric data.
• Certificate-based authentication uses digital certificates and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to authenticate users. This approach also offers more robust security than typical password-based systems.