What is Adaptive Authentication?

What is adaptive auth?

Adaptive authentication adjusts the authentication process based on contextual factors like location, device status, and user behavior to enhance security.

What is the difference between MFA and adaptive MFA?

MFA requires multiple fixed credentials for access, while adaptive MFA adjusts the required credentials based on the risk level and contextual factors.

What is the difference between adaptive and risk-based authentication?

Risk-based authentication evaluates each login attempt’s risk and adjusts security measures accordingly. Adaptive authentication continuously assesses contextual factors throughout the user session to dynamically adjust security measures.

What is an example of adaptive MFA?

An example of adaptive MFA is requiring a user to answer a security question or provide a code from a smartphone app when logging in from an unrecognized device or location.

What are the benefits of adaptive MFA?

• Enhances security by adjusting authentication requirements based on risk.
• Reduces friction for users with lower risk profiles.
• Prevents unauthorized access by requiring additional verification in high-risk scenarios.
• Improves user experience by minimizing unnecessary authentication steps.

What is an example of adaptive security?

An example of adaptive security is a system that requires a user to answer a security question or use a biometric scan if they try to log in from an unrecognized device or unusual location, while allowing quicker access from familiar devices and locations.

Standard authentication methods, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), require users to provide specific credentials whenever they attempt to log in or access corporate resources. Adaptive Authentication, however, adjusts the required credentials based on the situation, increasing security when the risk of a breach is higher.

When users always log in with standard credentials, such as a username and password, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Authentication tools for identity and access management, like MFA, enhance security by requiring additional credentials, such as a code generated from a smartphone app. Although more factors help, cybercriminals can still acquire or hack these credentials to gain access. Adaptive authentication smartly changes the requirements, making it much more difficult for hackers to access the enterprise because the signals used are harder for attackers to bypass.