The customer identity and access management platform (CIAM) explains how a magic link works, its current security challenges, and alternatives organizations should consider for improving security.
Boston,United States - November 1, 2022 /PressCable/ —
Customer identity and access management leader, Transmit Security, discussed the merits and demerits of magic link authentication in a recent article. If done correctly, this form of authentication could be safer than using passwords, claims the business.
A magic link is a form of passwordless authentication, implemented in three steps. The process, the company explains, is much like using a one time password (OTP).
First, the user enters their email address when using an application’s login.
Second, the application sends an email that includes a link with a token and a hash function to the address provided.
The third step is when the user clicks on the link in order to access the application.
This process has multi-factor authentication (MFA) built into the process, Transmit Security claims. The user needs to have access to their email account in order to get the link, for which they need the email password (something they know).
Additionally, the device they use is the second factor, which is something they have.
According to Transmit, magic link authentication offers several benefits.
The main one is enhanced security, as this process reduces the risk of poor password hygiene that most customers practice. It also makes the customer onboarding process quite seamless and easy-to-use, the company elaborates.
It can be quite secure, as the developers can decide if they want to make the magic link authenticate a single session or multiple ones.
In addition to being user-friendly, magic link authentication can also be easier for the business, Transmit asserts. This method of authentication is quite easy to deploy using APIs and Auth0. The authentication parameters can be customized as well as the link’s expiration time.
Since there is no password used, the IT help desk faces a reduced burden due to not having to reset them for users who have forgotten them. It also reduces failed login alerts, which can be distracting.
Finally, the ease of use means customers experience a smoother journey. As a result, they are more satisfied, leading to better customer retention.
At the same time, Transmit Security is quick to point out that the authentication system is not completely flawless.
For one, the system is only as secure as the email account of the user. If the account is compromised, so is the link. That can also be a concern if the user loses the device they use to check their email, the business explains. If the device is not secure, the person who has the device can get into the customer’s emails.
There may also be a concern of the email being sent to the customer’s spam folder. If they are not aware of this possibility, they might send multiple requests, leading to the creation of multiple tokens. That can lead to frustration as well as creating additional security issues in case of a compromised email account, claims the company.
Finally, there is a concern that magic link authentication does not have any system of best practices to follow. That means businesses may not always follow a consistent system, which could lead to security and compliance risks.
As a result, Transmit Security concludes that while magic links are much more secure than passwords, they are still not as strong as other forms of authentication. The business recommends incorporating biometric authentication for a more secure system.
Transmit Security provides a secure identity management platform as well as modular identity authentication and fraud prevention solutions, including passwordless multi-factor authentication. To learn more about the business, please visit https://www.transmitsecurity.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Ron Binder
Email: Send Email
Organization: Transmit Security
Address: 500 Boylston St, Suite 2570, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, United States
Website: https://www.transmitsecurity.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89083009
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