Authentication and Access

Control
In today's digital landscape, authentication and access control
serve as the foundation of cybersecurity infrastructure.
Authentication verifies identity—confirming who you are—while
authorization determines access rights—establishing what you can
do within a system.
The significance of these security components cannot be
overstated, especially considering that 70% of data breaches
involve weak or stolen credentials. Organizations must
implement robust authentication and access control measures to
protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity.

AM
Eng. Abdikani Mohamoud
Introduction to Authentication
Authentication is the critical process of verifying that someone is who they claim
to be. It serves as the first line of defense in any security architecture,
determining whether a user, system, or entity should be granted access to
protected resources.

Identity Verification Security Foundation

Authentication answers the As the first step in securing
fundamental security question: systems, authentication
"Are you who you claim to be?" establishes trust before any access
This verification process must be is granted, creating a foundation
reliable and secure to prevent for all subsequent security
unauthorized access. measures.

Authorization Prerequisite
Authentication always precedes authorization in the security workflow.
Without proper identity verification, authorization decisions would be
meaningless.
Authentication Methods Overview
Modern authentication systems employ various methods to verify identity, each with different security characteristics and user experience
implications. The strength of an authentication system often depends on combining multiple approaches.

Something you know Something you have Something you are Somewhere you are
Passwords, PINs, security Smart cards, tokens, mobile Biometrics like fingerprints, Location-based authentication
questions devices facial recognition via geofencing

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more of these methods, significantly enhancing security by requiring additional
verification beyond just a password.
Password-Based Authentication

Despite the emergence of newer authentication technologies, password-based

authentication remains the most widely implemented method. The security of
this approach depends primarily on password complexity and management
practices.
Password Complexity Significant Vulnerability
Matters
Despite potential strength,
An 8-character password using passwords remain vulnerable to
uppercase, lowercase, numbers, dictionary attacks, phishing, and
and symbols can have up to 53 social engineering. An alarming
trillion possibilities, making 81% of data breaches involve
brute force attacks theoretically weak or stolen passwords.
difficult.

Human Factor Challenges

Users tend to create memorable passwords that are often predictable or
reuse passwords across multiple services, significantly undermining
security.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication leverages unique biological characteristics to verify
identity. This approach offers convenience since users don't need to remember
passwords or carry tokens, though it introduces its own set of challenges.

Biometric Type Advantages Challenges

Fingerprints Widely adopted, hard Can be affected by

to forge injuries, aging

Facial Recognition Non-intrusive, fast Affected by lighting,

processing aging, disguises

Iris Scans Extremely accurate, Specialized

stable over time equipment, user
acceptance
Voice Patterns Natural, can work Background noise,
remotely voice changes

With the biometric authentication market projected to reach $42 billion by 2025,
organizations are increasingly adopting these technologies despite privacy and
false positive/negative concerns.
Token-Based Authentication
Token-based authentication relies on physical devices that generate or store authentication credentials. These systems
significantly enhance security by adding a physical component that attackers cannot easily duplicate remotely.

Smart Cards
Physical cards containing embedded microchips that
store cryptographic keys and certificates. Commonly
used in government and enterprise environments.
Hardware Security Keys
USB or NFC devices that provide cryptographic
authentication. Organizations using hardware keys
Software Tokens (TOTP) report a 90% reduction in account compromise risk.

Applications that generate time-based one-time

passwords, changing every 30-60 seconds. Widely
adopted due to their combination of security and SMS Tokens
convenience. One-time codes sent via text message. More
vulnerable than other token types but still provide
additional security layer beyond passwords alone.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication combines two or more distinct authentication methods to create a
significantly more secure identity verification process. This layered approach ensures that
compromising a single factor is insufficient to gain unauthorized access.

Enhanced Security Flexible Implementation User Experience

Considerations
MFA reduces account
compromise risk by 99.9% Organizations can choose While adding security, MFA
compared to password-only from various second-factor introduces additional steps
authentication, according to options including SMS codes, that must be balanced against
Microsoft research. authenticator apps, user convenience to ensure
biometrics, or hardware adoption.
tokens.

Industry Standard
MFA has become the expected
baseline for protecting
sensitive resources and
meeting compliance
requirements in most
industries.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple systems without re-entering credentials. This approach
streamlines the user experience while potentially enhancing security through centralized authentication management.

Improved User Experience

Eliminates password fatigue and multiple logins

Better Password Practices

Users can focus on one strong password

Centralized Administration
Consistent policy enforcement across systems

Single Point of Failure

Compromised SSO means access to all systems

While SSO offers significant benefits, integrating it with legacy systems often presents technical challenges that require careful planning and
implementation. Organizations must also implement additional security layers to mitigate the risks of this centralized approach.
Introduction to Access Control
Once a user's identity has been authenticated, access control mechanisms determine what resources they can access and what actions
they can perform. These systems enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring users have access only to what they need for their role.

Access Request
Authentication
User attempts to access a protected
User identity is verified through credentials
resource

Access Decision Authorization

Access is granted or denied based on System checks if user has appropriate
policies permissions

Access control encompasses physical controls (like secured doors), administrative controls (policies and procedures), and technical
controls (the focus of this presentation). Effective implementation requires a comprehensive approach combining all three types.
Access Control Models: DAC
Discretionary Access Control (DAC) places access management decisions in the hands of resource owners. This
model is widely implemented in operating systems, allowing users to control who can access their files and what
operations can be performed on them.

Key Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages

• Owner-controlled permissions • User autonomy over their • Potential for misconfiguration

• Flexible and intuitive for users resources • No centralized policy enforcement
• • Simple to understand and •
Implemented via Access Control Vulnerable to malware acting as
Lists (ACLs) implement user
• • Flexible for changing •
Common in consumer operating Difficult to audit consistently
systems environments
• May conflict with organization
• • Minimal administrative overhead
Permissions typically include policies
read, write, execute • Familiar to most computer users
Access Control Models: MAC
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) implements system-enforced access restrictions based on sensitivity labels. Unlike DAC,
users cannot override or modify these controls, making MAC suitable for high-security environments where strict information
protection is paramount.

System Enforcement
Access Decision Rules
All access decisions are made and
Security Label Assignment
The system applies strict rules enforced by the operating system, not
All resources (files, data, objects) are comparing user clearance with resource owners. Users cannot modify
assigned classification labels (e.g., resource classification. Access is access controls regardless of
Confidential, Secret, Top Secret). Users granted only when clearance meets or ownership, ensuring consistent policy
receive clearance levels determining exceeds classification level and other application.
what classifications they can access. criteria are satisfied.

While providing strong security guarantees, MAC systems require significant administrative overhead and can impact
usability. They are most commonly found in government, military, and other environments handling highly sensitive
information.
Access Control Models: RBAC
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) assigns permissions to roles rather than directly to users. Users gain access rights by being assigned to
appropriate roles, typically aligned with job functions. This approach simplifies administration and enhances security by structuring access
around organizational positions.

User Assignment
Role Definition
Users are assigned to roles based on
Roles are created to represent job functions
responsibilities, job title, department, or
with specific access requirements and
other organizational structures.
permissions.

Role Management
Permission Assignment
As employees change positions,
Permissions to perform specific operations
administrators simply assign them to
are assigned to roles rather than individual
different roles rather than reconfiguring
users.
individual permissions.

RBAC is particularly valuable in organizations with high employee turnover or frequent role changes, as it significantly reduces
administrative overhead while maintaining security through structured access policies.
Access Control Techniques
Beyond the fundamental access control models, organizations implement various techniques to fine-tune access restrictions
based on specific security requirements and operational needs. These specialized approaches complement core access control
models to address particular scenarios.

Rule-Based Access Control Content-Dependent Access Control

Applies dynamic rules to determine access permissions Restricts access based on the actual content of resources
based on predefined conditions. Rules might consider time rather than just their classification. This technique uses
of day, network location, previous access patterns, or content inspection to determine sensitivity and apply
system status to make contextual access decisions. appropriate controls, often used in data loss prevention
systems.

Context-Dependent Access Control Constrained User Interfaces

Evaluates the context of access requests, considering Limits what users can see and do by modifying the
factors such as location, device type, network security, and interface itself. Functions and data outside a user's
time. Allows more granular control that adapts to changing permissions simply don't appear in their view, reducing the
circumstances while maintaining security. risk of unauthorized access attempts.
Access Control Administration
The administration of access control systems significantly impacts their effectiveness, security, and operational efficiency.
Organizations must choose between centralized and decentralized approaches based on their size, structure, and security
requirements.

Centralized Administration Decentralized Administration Administrative Protocols

• Managed by dedicated security team • Department-level management • RADIUS for network access
• Consistent policy enforcement • Faster response to local needs • TACACS+ for device administration
• Comprehensive access auditing • Reduced central IT bottlenecks • Diameter for mobile networks
• Reduced risk of conflicting policies • Local customization capabilities • Use attribute-value pairs
• Better visibility across organization • Distributed administrative workload • Define permissible actions

Many organizations implement a hybrid approach, maintaining centralized policy development and oversight while
delegating day-to-day administration to department-level managers who better understand local access requirements.
Authentication and Access Control Protocols
Various standardized protocols facilitate authentication and access control across systems and networks. These protocols
provide the technical foundation for implementing security policies and enabling secure interactions between users,
applications, and services.

Organizations typically implement multiple protocols to address different use cases. LDAP manages directory information,
Kerberos handles network authentication, OAuth enables application authorization, RADIUS secures network access, and
SAML facilitates web single sign-on implementations.
Common Authentication Vulnerabilities
Even well-designed authentication systems can be compromised through various attack vectors. Understanding
these vulnerabilities is essential for implementing appropriate countermeasures and maintaining a strong security
posture.
Brute Force Attacks Dictionary Attacks
Attackers systematically try all possible password Using lists of common words and passwords to
combinations until finding the correct one. attempt authentication. Requiring complex
Defenses include account lockouts, CAPTCHAs, passwords with special characters and minimum
and rate limiting login attempts. length can mitigate this risk.

Phishing and Social Engineering Credential Stuffing

Deceiving users into revealing credentials through Using credentials from one breached site to
fake emails, websites, or direct manipulation. access other services where users reused
User education and technical controls like email passwords. Multi-factor authentication
filtering help reduce these risks. significantly reduces this risk.
Defense in Depth Strategy
Defense in depth applies a layered approach to security, implementing multiple controls so that if one fails, others still provide protection. This strategy is
particularly important for authentication and access control, where a single line of defense is rarely sufficient.

Continuous Monitoring
Detect and respond to suspicious activity

Access Controls
Restrict resource access based on identity

Authentication
Verify identity through multiple factors

Network Segmentation
Limit movement between resources

Perimeter Security
Control entry points to systems

The AAA framework (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) provides a comprehensive approach to security, not only controlling access but also
maintaining detailed logs of all activity for auditing and forensic purposes. Regular security assessments help identify gaps in this defensive strategy.
Implementation Best Practices
Successfully implementing authentication and access control requires adherence to established best practices. These guidelines
help organizations balance security requirements with operational needs and user experience considerations.

Strong Password Multi-Factor Regular Access Just-in-Time

Policies Authentication Reviews Access
Enforce complexity Implement MFA for all Conduct periodic Provide elevated
requirements, regular sensitive resources, audits of user privileges only when
changes, and prohibit prioritizing high-value permissions to identify needed and for limited
password reuse while targets and privileged and remove duration, automatically
balancing security with accounts if phased unnecessary access revoking them when
usability to prevent deployment is rights, preventing the task is complete.
workarounds. necessary. privilege creep over
time.
The principle of least privilege should guide all access decisions—users should have only the minimum access necessary to
perform their job functions. When employees change roles or leave the organization, automated deprovisioning ensures prompt
removal of access rights.
Conclusion: Future Trends
The authentication and access control landscape continues to evolve rapidly in response to changing threats and technological advances.
Several emerging trends will likely shape the future of identity and access management.

Passwordless Authentication AI-Based Security Zero Trust Model

Moving beyond traditional passwords to more Artificial intelligence and machine learning Security framework requiring strict
secure and user-friendly methods like algorithms that continuously analyze user verification for every access request
biometrics, hardware tokens, and behavior to detect anomalies and potential regardless of source, eliminating the concept
cryptographic keys. This approach eliminates account compromise, adjusting of trusted internal networks and treating all
password-related vulnerabilities while authentication requirements based on risk access attempts with equal scrutiny.
improving user experience. assessment.
As organizations continue to adopt cloud services and remote work becomes more prevalent, decentralized identity management and
behavioral biometrics will likely play increasingly important roles in securing digital assets while maintaining operational efficiency.