The Elusive Quest for the Perfect Identity Verification Solution

In today's digital age, securing our online identities has become more critical than ever. With the continued pervasiveness of cyber threats and data breaches, finding the best identity verification solution is a challenge that continues to elude us. Despite the advancements in technology, we still struggle to strike the perfect balance between security and convenience.

Take, for example, Okta's advice on using FIDO2 (WebAuthn) authenticators. They recommend that "end users enroll their FIDO2 authenticator on multiple browsers and multiple devices to avoid being locked out if their primary method fails." While this approach seems practical, it highlights a fundamental issue: that the user has to take measure because the identify protection service provider does not have a better solution.

The Backup Dilemma

Having backups, whether it's using an 2nd factor authenticator or multiple FIDO2 devices, is a common strategy to mitigate the risk of losing access to accounts. However, this approach introduces its own set of challenges:

1. Complexity: Managing multiple authentication methods can be cumbersome for users. Remembering which device or browser has the necessary credentials can lead to confusion and frustration. I run into this a lot - I use Google Authenticator for some applications, while Okta Verify for Okta or whatever I've configured for SSO with Okta, or Microsoft Authenticator for....you get the idea. It's nauseating, really!

2. Security Risks: Storing backup credentials in a password manager or on multiple devices increases the attack surface. If one of these backups is compromised, it could potentially expose all linked accounts.

3. User Experience: The need for multiple backups can degrade the user experience. Users may find it inconvenient to switch between devices or browsers, leading to a reluctance to adopt stronger security measures.

The Device Upgrade Reality

In addition to these challenges, we must consider the reality that we upgrade or switch devices more frequently than we lose them. This constant change adds another layer of complexity to identity verification. Each time we switch devices, we must ensure that our authentication methods are properly transferred and set up on the new device. This process can be time-consuming and prone to errors. In fact, I've published my "Out of my MFA mind" blog series on this very subject.

Authenticator App Inconsistencies

Furthermore, each Authenticator app has its own "backup/restore/multi-device" support (or lacks it), further complicating the situation. Some apps may offer seamless backup and restore options, while others may require manual setup on each new device. This inconsistency can lead to frustration and potential security gaps if users are not diligent in setting up their authentication methods correctly.

The Search for a Seamless Solution

The ideal identity verification solution should be both secure and user-friendly. It should provide robust protection against cyber threats while ensuring a seamless experience for users. Unfortunately, achieving this balance is easier said than done.

Potential Solutions

1. Biometric Authentication: Using biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, offers a more intuitive and secure way to verify identities. Now the question is - do we want to have a multifucntion device, like our smartphones, to facilitate this type of MFA, or some other type of hardware, such as a wearable device (ring, eyeglasses / contacts, etc)? Regardless, we would still have concerns about privacy and the potential for biometric data breaches remain.

2. Behavioral Biometrics: No doubt that AI will help better analyze user behavior, such as typing patterns or mouse movements, to provide an additional layer of security - making this method more effective as well as less intrusive - until the model collapse ensues.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combining multiple authentication methods, such as something you know (password), something you have (device), and something you are (biometric), can enhance security. However, it has shown to also complicate the user experience.

Conclusion

The quest for the perfect identity verification solution is ongoing. While current methods like FIDO2 authenticators, authenticator apps, and password managers offer some level of security, they are not without their flaws. The challenge lies in developing a solution that is both secure and user-friendly, without compromising on either front. Until then, we must continue to navigate the complexities of identity verification, always striving for a better balance between security and convenience.