Authentication

Authentication is used to prove a user's identity. In general, there are three factors of authentication:

Something you know: This can be implemented with domain user accounts that have specific user names and passwords. As long as users know their user name and password, they are able to use these credentials for authentication.

Something you have: Smart cards are being used more and more today. A smart card is a credit card-sized card that can be inserted into a reader (often as part of the keyboard). Users insert the card and usually enter a personal identification number (PIN) for authentication. Within a domain, the smart card is associated with a domain user account.

Something you are: Biometrics can be used to prove a user's identity. Fingerprint readers can be found on more and more mobile computers today. Once configured, a user authenticates with their finger on the fingerprint reader. Other biometric methods include retinal scanners and hand scanners.

Note Multifactor authentication involves using more than one authentication factor For example, a smart card is considered something you have, whereas a PIN or password is something you know, so when a smart card is used with a PIN, it is considered multifactor authentication.