Token-based authentication is a digital security measure that concerns authenticating users through a unique token. This token is quite essential to users as it provides them access to protected pages and resources for a duration of time and within this period, users don’t need to re-enter their usernames and passwords.
This takes out the trouble of having to log in over and over again. Token-based authentication involves 5 processes and they are:
- Request: The first step involves the user logging into a server with his/her login details. After this, there’s an automated access request to the protected server.
- Authentication: The server then authenticates the username and password entered, ensuring the details exist on its database.
- Token generation: The server’s algorithm generates a security token for the user which stays valid for a specific duration of time.
- Storage: The security token is stored in the user’s web browser or device. This ensures the user can access his/her online account without needing to log in over and over again.
- Expiration: This is the last stage of the token authentication process. The token’s validity depends on how long the user remains on the website or server. The security token expires as soon as the user logs out or closes the server.
Why Token-based Authentication Is Essential To Remote Work
1. Security
Token-based authentication offers better security than the regular password system. It’s far safer than regular passwording and it’s quite convenient for remote workers as they don’t need to re-enter their passwords over and over again whenever they want to access online accounts.
This makes it tough for cyber attackers to steal the login details of users and gain unauthorized access to private company servers and resources.
2. Convenience
This digital security system is quite convenient as users don’t have to re-enter their usernames and passwords every time they access a server or protected resource. This is quite fitting for remote workers who want to access resources from companies.
3. Scalability
Many companies operate a large remote workforce and as such, token-based authentication helps verify a considerable number of devices and users. This way, remote work is done with ease.
Read More - What Are The Benefits Of Using Security Roles In Dynamics 365Regular Tokens Used For Authentication
1. API Tokens
API tokens are specifically used to verify users and devices so as to grant them access to APIs. Typically, they last for a long duration of time.
2. Session Tokens
This token is meant to verify users on a per-session basis. Session tokens expire after a short while and when a user logs out.
3. JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
Given the fact that these tokens are marked or signed with a digital algorithm, it makes it hard for them to be tampered with.
Challenges Of Token-based Authentication In The Era Of Remote Work
1. Handling Multiple Tokens For Many Applications
Managing multiple tokens for many online applications could be quite challenging for remote workers and it could be worse if they aren’t familiar with token-based authentication.
2. Phishing Attack Risks
Phishing attacks occur when users are tricked into revealing personal info such as usernames, passwords, and the like. Remote workers are susceptible to phishing attacks because they receive lots of emails from unknown senders and these emails could contain phishing links.
3. Problems In Troubleshooting Token-related Issues
If remote workers have problems with their individual tokens it could be quite challenging to troubleshoot the problem. This is mostly because they may not have the same resources as on-site workers.
4. Compliance Problems With Security Regulations
Unlike on-site workers who can be watched to ensure they abide by security regulations, remote workers can’t be fully supervised. This is exactly why many companies prefer having an on-site workforce rather than a remote one.
Check This Out: Cybersecurity Risks In The Blockchain IndustrySolutions To The Challenges Of Token-based Authentication In The Remote Work Era
1. Educate Your Remote Workers About Phishing Attacks
You should ensure your remote workers are educated on how to identify phishing emails and other forms of phishing attacks. This way, they’ll be less prone to being exploited by cybercriminals.
2. A Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Solution Is A Necessity
An extra security layer could be quite useful in keeping cyber scammers at bay and that’s what the multi-factor authentication offers your company. Ensure your remote workers provide passwords and one-time codes to help make security tougher.
3. Single Sign-ons (SSOs) Are Also Great
Single sign-ons are security systems that afford users the privilege of logging into many applications with the same set of details. This way, there will be fewer tokens that users will need to manage.
4. Cloud-based IAM Platforms Also Work
Using a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform, your remote workers can manage their security tokens, and access user provisioning and de-provisioning features. This helps in strengthening your security system.
Conclusion:
Token-based authentication is a security system you should adopt and it’s especially suitable for you if you have a remote workforce. It’s less vulnerable to cybersecurity risks and it is quite convenient to use.
So, if you have a remote workforce, the token-based authentication system is quite a good security measure for you. It’s quite convenient for your remote workers and it’s far safer than the regular password security system that is easier for cybercriminals to hack.
