What is Certificate-Based Authentication?

What is Certificate-Based Authentication?

Certificate-based authentication (CBA) is a more secure alternative if we compare it to the traditional username and password combination. It can also be used alongside traditional methods for strong user authentication to form a phishing-resistant Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The digital certificate is present on an individual’s device or computer along with the private key, which facilitates the user’s browser or client to log into various systems automatically without more effort. When the request is made, the digital certificate can be presented for authentication....

Primary Terminologies

E-Certificate: An online document to prove who or what you are, using secret codes and a system called PKI. It makes sure only the right things and people can enter a network. It also confirms if a site is real or fake to a web browser using SSL. It has key info like a person’s name, and a device’s code or number....

Features

Increased Security: Certificate-based authentication offers upgraded security compared to traditional username and password combinations. We can find that passwords are often vulnerable to easy guessing or insecure storage practices, like writing them down. If we eliminate passwords, certificate-based authentication mitigates the risk of phishing or brute-force attacks....

Working

In the process of certificate-based authentication, when a user requests access to a protected resource, the server responds by presenting its certificate to the user’s browser. The browser then verifies the authenticity of the server’s public certificate. Subsequently, an authentication request is sent from the server, prompting the user to authenticate themselves. Concurrently, while the user undergoes authentication, their browser provides the server with the user’s certificate for validation. Upon successful validation of the user’s identity by the server, access to the network or protected resource is granted....

Advantages

Efficiency in cloud is enabled: The use of certificate based authentication with cloud computing ensures that there is no need for extra hardware such as smart card readers or terminals....

Disadvantages

Initial Investment: The cost of establishing Certificate-based Authentication on a network infrastructure may be a one-time investment however it can be high and this is why it may not be suitable for start-ups and small companies....

Conclusion

It is important to note that CBA is a reliable and efficient way of authenticating users and devices. Therefore there will be an upsurge in its adoption as more organizations take their systems to the cloud. Certificate-based authentication facilitates access control, certificate-based authentication not only decreases friction for users but also promotes overall user productivity....

Frequently Asked Questions on Certificate Based Auhtentication – FAQs

Is Authentication same as authorization?...