Authentication Protocols & Processes

Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)

The Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) involves users providing their username and password, which the system then checks against a centralized database for verification.

Process:

1. User Input: Users start by entering their credentials, comprising a username and password.

2. Credential Verification: The system checks these credentials against a central database to confirm their accuracy.

3. Authentication: If the provided credentials match those in the database, the user is successfully authenticated, gaining access to the system

Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) Protocol

TOTP Protocol is a time-sensitive method for generating one-time passwords. It can be deployed through channels such as email, SMS, and authenticator applications.

Process:

1. Setup: Exchange of a shared secret key between the authentication server and the user's device.

2. Synchronization: Both server and device synchronize their clocks to a common time reference.

3. OTP Generation: TOTP algorithm generates a unique one-time password using the shared key and current time.

4. User Authentication: User enters the OTP generated by their device. If it matches the server's calculated OTP, authentication is successful.

Open Identity Protocol (OpenID)

OpenID, an open standard and decentralized authentication protocol, enables user authentication through a third-party identity provider (IdP) service.

Process:

1. User Authentication Request: Users can be authenticated on collaborating sites (relying parties) using a third-party identity provider (IdP) service.

2. IdP Verification: The third-party identity provider verifies the user using its authentication mechanism.

3. Successful Authentication: If the user is successfully authenticated at the IdP, access is granted at the relying party's site, ensuring a secure and streamlined authentication process.

Universal Authentication Framework (UAF)

The Universal Authentication Framework (UAF) is a protocol developed by the FIDO Alliance, providing a secure and passwordless authentication solution.

Process:

1. During registration, the user associates their device with the online service.

2. The user selects a local authentication mechanism, such as swiping a finger, using facial recognition, speaking into the microphone, or entering a PIN.

3. This mechanism generates a private key that is used to sign a challenge issued by the FIDO UAF Server.

Mutual TLS (mTLS)

Mutual TLS extends the TLS protocol to achieve mutual authentication between the client and server by requiring both parties to present valid X.509 certificates.

Process:

1. Client Certificate Presentation: The client presents its X.509 certificate to the server during the SSL/TLS handshake.

2. Server Verification: The server verifies the client's certificate, ensuring its validity and proper signing by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

3. Server Certificate Presentation: The server presents its X.509 certificate to the client during the SSL/TLS handshake.

4. Client Verification: The client verifies the server's certificate, ensuring its validity and appropriate signing by a trusted CA.

5. Successful Authentication: If both certificates pass verification, mutual authentication is achieved, and a secure communication channel is established.