Cyber Security - Authentication Flashcards
Why does authentication exist?
To make sure that anyone trying to access a network is who they say they are
What is a strong password?
Many characters long, a combination of letters, numbers and symbols and they need to changed regular
Why are weak passwords a big security risk?
They can easily be cracked
Brute force attack
Social engineering - birthday or address
What is a brute force attack?
Using automated software and trial and error to crack passwords
What are biometrics?
A measure that uses scanners to identify people by a unique part of their body - fingerprint or retina
What are the pros and cons of biometrics?
Secure and convenient - no need to remember a password or carry a key card
Often more expensive to implement - special hardware needed
What is email confirmation used for?
Confirms the email address belongs to the person registering
Stops people from using fake email addresses
What is the disadvantage of email confirmation?
Webmail services are free so people can sign up for a new email address whenever they want so it isn’t that effective
What does CAPTCHA stand for?
Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart
Why is CAPTCHA used?
To prevent programs from automatically doing certain things such as creating user accounts on a website
What does a CAPTCHA test usually consist of?
A simple task - a blurred or distorted word or image, or recognising things like animals or signposts
What is the disadvantage of CAPTCHA tests?
It relies on computers not being able to read images as well as a human can - but as image recognition software and ai are developing, machines are becoming more capable of passing this test
