Which is an example of context based access control?

One of the most exciting advances in identity protection today is context-based authentication and authorization. You may also hear it called “adaptive” authentication and authorization. Context-based access uses analytic data that an identity platform compiles as part of the authorization and authentication process to improve authentication methods. These analytic-enhanced authentication methods should be even more effective at enhancing consumer safety and reducing online fraud.

The primary concern many companies have when it comes to allowing access to their system is minimizing risk. Context-based authentication and authorization embeds dynamic risk assessment into the access decision, calculating risk through the use of behavior and context analytics. This can be an advantage over cookie cutter systems that use the same security methods regardless of risk level.

Why Context-Based Authentication and Authorization?

Context-based authentication and authorization embeds dynamic risk assessment into the access decision, calculating risk through the use of behavior and context analytics. It allows administrators to set permissions based on role, device, IP address, location and other factors. This helps companies minimize risk  when  allowing access to their system.  Context-based authentication can be an advantage over cookie cutter systems that use the same security authentication methods regardless of risk level.

By generating a risk score based on explicit, measurable attributes and controlling access accordingly, you get a level of authentication and authorization businesses can be much more comfortable with for even the most sensitive of transactions. A context-based authentication and authorization system can generate clear policy rules that tell the system immediately whether to allow, prevent or challenge access depending upon a reliably calculated level of risk.

How Does Context-Based Authentication and Authorization Work?

You can improve safety in user access to your systems by requiring each user to register a specific device or devices with the system. By associating approved devices with stored user information, you essentially get an additional security check. For an unauthorized user to access the system, they  would need to both obtain an authorized user’s device and know their target’s personal information too.

If you wish to allow access from unregistered devices, in case of emergency, you can set the system to require additional levels of identity verification for access, such as security questions, PIN numbers and more. You can also set compartmentalized access control, so specific devices or levels of authentication only allow access to certain specific resources.

An added layer of safety comes into the picture when the system records a user’s behavioral patterns and uses them to weigh the risk score of allowing someone access. If a particular user never accesses the system after 5 p.m., for example, or on the weekends, you can configure the system to either deny access after 5pm or require another level of authentication.

What Are the Benefits of Context-Based Authentication and Authorization?

As you can probably imagine, any business that contains sensitive information with a high risk of attempted infiltration can benefit from context-based authorization and authentication methods. Even companies that are generally safe but occasionally participate in high-risk transactions that involve sensitive client data will benefit from this type of service.

In addition to protecting you and your business, a context-based authentication and authorization system can create greater confidence among your clients. This can allow you to do business more efficiently with more clients without significantly increasing your risk of system infiltration or sabotage.

Having a clear set of rules for access will also streamline your process, and if there are ways you can improve the system, you will often be able to identify them more quickly. The idea of risk-based authorization is one that has been warmly accepted by the identity protection community, and context-based approval appears to be the next step in the evolution of this method of protecting digital information.

Learn More About Context-Based Authentication and Authorization and Other Forms of Identity and Access Management

If context-based (or adaptive) authorization and authentication are important to you and your business, speak to a representative at Optimal IdM. We will be happy to give you a complete overview of our services, including CIAM solutions, and explain the benefits of The Optimal IdM Difference. To learn more and set up a free trial of our identity and access management solutions, contact us today.

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