Multi-Factor Fail - 3 Factors of Fail (part 6)

from: brainyquote.com

   In December I was at the NG Security Conference in Austin, TX.  We had a fantastic discussion with a group of key security leaders focusing on this "quote" and how it applies to information security.  I say "quote" because there is some question as to who said this or if anyone actually did!

   As I've been saying throughout this series of posts, it seems that this statement is exactly what we are doing in the world of authentication!  None of the typical factors of authentication have really solved our authentication and access problems, yet we continue to use the same mechanisms over again.

Something You Were - 3 Factors of Fail (part 4)

   Today we'll continue our discussion on problems in the world of authentication.  Here are links to parts 1, 2 and 3.

   The 3rd form of authentication is typically called Something You Are.  We typically think of this as some kind of biometric indicator like fingerprints.  But this is probably the earliest and most basic form of authentication used in human or animal species.

   Animal species can identify members by sight, but more often scent or sound.   In addition to the traditional 5 senses, some animals have senses that humans do not, like echolocation, to help identify "friend or food".  Here are some interesting articles.

   Human babies can identify their mother by smell and sound.  People have used visual recognition as a primary identification method for most of the existence of the human race.  Of course, visual recognition can be spoofed. And there are other reasons why visual recognition may not be the best identification method.