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Last Updated |  23 Jun 2024

Continuous Authentication

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A security method that verifies a user's identity throughout an online session, not just at the initial login. It employs various data points to assess user behaviour and identify potential security risks in real time. This ongoing verification is particularly crucial for high-risk activities within a digital platform. This provides an extra level of protection for sensitive information and high-risk activities.

How Does Continuous Authentication Work?

Continuous authentication goes beyond static passwords or one-time logins.  It dynamically analyzes various data points to create a user profile and assess ongoing activity:

  • Behavioral Biometrics

This analyzes user interactions, such as typing patterns, mouse movements, and screen swiping patterns, to identify deviations from the user's established baseline behaviour.

  • Device Characteristics

The system considers factors like device location, IP address, and operating system to detect anomalies suggesting unauthorized access attempts.

  • Contextual Data

Continuous authentication considers contextual factors like time of day, location, and typical access patterns to identify suspicious activity.

Benefits of Continuous Authentication

  1. Enhanced Security: Continuous monitoring helps identify and prevent unauthorized access attempts, mitigating the risk of data breaches and fraudulent activities.

  2. Improved User Experience: Modern continuous authentication methods can be seamless and unobtrusive, minimizing disruption to the user experience.

  3. Reduced Reliance on Passwords: By analyzing a broader range of data points, continuous authentication can lessen dependence on traditional passwords, which are vulnerable to hacking.

  4. Risk-Based Security: Continuous authentication allows for a risk-based approach, applying stricter verification measures for high-risk activities within a session.

 

Continuous Authentication - Ideal for High-Risk Activities

Continuous authentication is particularly valuable for safeguarding high-risk activities within online platforms, such as:

  • Transferring large sums of money

  • Accessing sensitive personal information

  • Approving critical transactions

  • Modifying account settings

     

At Smile ID, we understand the growing need for robust security measures. Our KYC/AML solutions can help you implement continuous authentication for enhanced user protection: Speak to one of our experts to learn more about how we can help. 

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