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With the increase in cyber attacks, relying on just a username and password to secure users doesn’t work anymore. It’s crucial to add an extra layer of security to authorize your users so there are no unwanted accounts accessing your private information. This is possible through two-factor authentication for rdp, where users are verified with additional authentication with methods like biometric authentication, authenticator applications, hardware tokens and email verification.
User authentication is a method that keeps unauthorized users from accessing sensitive and private information. Cybercriminals can gain access to a system when user authentication is not secure.
Let’s take a deeper dive into these authentication methods to implement for your Windows Remote Desktop 2FA.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication is one of the most foolproof and safest options when protecting your two-factor authentication. It relies solely on an individual’s characteristics to verify who they say they are. Biometric authentication systems compare both physical and behavioural traits that are then stored into a database.
The great thing about using biometric authentication for your Windows RDP is that it ensures maximum security as no one can impersonate the unique features of the user. Biometric authentication is accurate, convenient, flexible, and has admin access control. But, it can also be costly as each user would need their own device with scanner compatibility, which can be difficult to install for many users. If the system is not updated correctly, the biometric system could malfunction leading to a failure in the biometric system.
Authenticator Application
An authenticator application is usually installed on a smartphone and generates a new one-time passcode every 30-45 seconds. The passcode can be used to sign in to your two-factor authentication. Passcodes that are generated through the authenticator application are shared between the service you are using on your device and the current time. Authenticator apps provide a layer of security that is a convenient option for users.
With an authenticator application, you can secure multiple personal and work accounts in one place. It’s easy to use, and a quick setup, and you can experience strong security for online accounts by adding a layer of security beyond passwords.
Hardware Tokens
Hardware tokens are slightly less vulnerable to cyberattacks than an authenticator application but are still an effective method to securing your Windows Remote Desktop. Hardware tokens are a small physical device that you use to authorize your access to a specific network. It provides an extra layer of security by ensuring two-factor authentication.
Hardware tokens are much more secure and are still considered to be a standard for every use who wants to increase their security with multi-factor authentication. While they are more secure than a simple username and password, it still requires a physical device which can be lost or stolen.
Email Authentication
Email authentication is a solution to prove that the user’s email is not forged and they are who they say they are. It’s often used to prevent harmful or fraudulent cases of spam or phishing. Cybercriminals normally send emails without any authentication requested which is why it’s crucial that the receiver remember if they requested authentication or not.
Email authentication is easy for any organization to implement. It provides a level of certainty that the email message actually originated from the represented source. This generates trust and confidence in recipients.
Authentication technology is always changing and becoming more sophisticated. Businesses need to think beyond username and passwords and think of multi-factor authentication as a means of enhancing user experience. With enhanced authentication methods and technologies, attackers will not be able to gain access to user accounts and data breaches will be prevented.
