Frequently Asked Questions on Certificate Based Auhtentication
Is Authentication same as authorization?
No, they’re different. Authentication is about confirming that users are really who they claim to be. It’s the first step in security. Authorization, on the other hand, is about giving users permission to access something. In security, it’s like giving someone a key to enter a specific room or use a particular tool.
Are username and password authentication system and Two-factor authentication same as Certificate-Based Authentication (CBA)?
No, they are not. Digital certificate is used for verifying user or device identity in CBA while username and password confirm if the user’s credentials correspond to those in the database. CBA is also different from two-factor authentication which requires both things that can prove an individual’s identity to be presented by the user since only a digital certificate is needed for CBA. These approaches are often combined with each other but it cannot mean that they are identical. More often than not, organizations prefer using several ways of preventing unauthorized access.
What is the Future of CBA?
To answer that question we need to look at some considerations. However managing digital certificates for these organizations can become heavy. Consequently, they should ensure that the certificate authority they choose can be trusted, always keep their certificates current so as not to lose them in case of any theft or loss. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, CBA continues to play a vital role in security technologies by providing an authenticated identity approach that is secure and user-friendly. Even if we are unlikely to completely discontinue using CBA, we expect platforms making it more accessible especially through Identity as a Service (IaaS) solutions
How Does Certificate-Based Authentication Work?
Certificate-Based Authentication is a cryptographic technique that enables secure identification of one computer by another across a network connection. It uses a public-key certificate. This authentication system confirms a user’s or device’s identity using digital certificates issued by a trusted authority such as a government agency or web server to verify its authenticity.
The validity of the certificate is verified against a list of trusted certificates. Access to secure resources is granted only if the certificate is on the list. Internet security protocols use certificates for authentication. For example, SSL/TLS is widely used by web browsers for secure online transactions.
Let’s see some examples of how common Certificate-Based Authentication (CBA) is. For example, the smart card is used for accessing offices or other buildings. Another example is the SSL/TLS protocol used in web browsers. CBA is also a key component of any Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) implementation.