Secure Authentication with Praneet Sharma

Security – Software Engineering Daily

When I log into my bank account from my laptop, I first enter my banking password. Then the bank sends a text message to my phone with a unique code, and I enter that code into my computer to finish the login. This login process is two-factor authentication. I am proving my identity by entering my banking password (the first factor) and validating that I am in control of my phone (the second factor) by receiving that text message.

But in order to log in from my laptop, I need to be in control of my laptop. The laptop itself is a factor. With the laptop and my password, I have two factors. I might not actually need the phone as a factor.

Praneet Sharma is the CEO of Keyless, a product that moves 2-factor authentication into the browser. Praneet joins the show to discuss how all kinds of authentication work: multi-factor authentication, single sign on, and Yubikey. We use this discussion of authentication methods to help explain why it actually could make sense for some people to be doing 2-factor authentication without requiring people to take out their phone.

We also explore recent security breaches like Target, Equifax and Yahoo–and the industry of security software sold to developers. I see giant banners for security software companies every time I go into the San Francisco airport, and Praneet explained to me some of the products that these kinds of companies are selling.

Praneet has joined the show in a previous episode to talk about advertising fraud. He also works with Shailin Dhar at Method Media Intelligence.

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