Making sure your passwords remain secure while still being effective is probably a top priority if you're reading this.
For this reason, you should be aware that MPWA is a more secure way to handle web authentication. So to help, here are some reasons why you should give it some serous consideration for your company.
What is Managed Password Web Authentication (MPWA)?
Managed Password Web Authentication (MPWA) is a secure method that automates the management of user credentials on web-based applications. This is typically done by centralizing authentication services and minimizing the manual effort needed from users.
Instead of requiring users to create and remember individual passwords for each platform, MPWA allows for credential management via secure password vaults or federated login systems. This approach typically integrates password managers and authentication protocols to provide users with an effortless login experience without compromising security.
- To do this, MPWA is often combined with federated identity services like SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) or OAuth (Open Authorization), reducing the need for locally stored passwords.
- This method improves security by encrypting passwords and storing them in a centralized vault, only accessed via trusted authentication mechanisms like multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- For enterprises, MPWA typically integrates into existing Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems, making it easier to manage user credentials at scale.
What is a Web Authentication API?
Instead of using conventional passwords, Web Authentication APIs (WebAuthn) are a safe way for users to authenticate using public key cryptography.
By keeping user credentials local, this API guards against credential leaks and phishing attempts. Security is further improved by integration with systems like Android's biometric authentication, Apple's Face ID, and Windows Hello.
What are Some Features of a Web Authentication API?
- Passwordless Authentication: WebAuthn uses public key cryptography to provide authentication, removing the need for passwords and preventing credential theft.
- Platform Integration: User security is improved with smooth support for biometric authentication systems such as Android Biometrics, Apple Face ID, and Windows Hello.
- Multi-factor Authentication: This creates strong authentication processes by supporting the combination of conventional techniques with hardware tokens or biometrics.
- Phishing Resistance: Reduces vulnerabilities and defends against phishing attempts by not sending shared secrets like passwords.
What is the Difference Between a Web Authentication API and a Managed Password Web Authentication?
While it may seem subtle to some, the difference between a Web Authentication API (WebAuthn) and managed password authentication is foundational to modern security.
WebAuthn uses public key cryptography for passwordless authentication, securing credentials locally. Managed password systems on the other hand, like rely on shared secrets stored in centralized databases - which means they need to rely more on hashing algorithms, transport layer security (TLS) or Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC).
How Does Managed Password Web Authentication Work?
By using a set of processes Managed Password Web Authentication transfers a large portion of the credential management process to automated systems while guaranteeing safe and easy login experiences.
The fundamental idea is to eliminate the need for users to handle or enter sensitive password information directly by abstracting user credentials behind a controlled interface that communicates with underlying systems. This is how it works:
User Registration and Credential Vaulting
Upon account creation, the user's credentials are encrypted and stored in a secure password vault. These vaults are typically hosted on cloud-based platforms like AWS, and Azure, or by specialized services such as LastPass or Dashlane for personal use, and enterprise solutions like Okta or Centrify.
How Does This Help?
User registration securely captures credentials, which are then encrypted and stored in a credential vault. With this, the system can provide a more secure environment for password management and user authentication.
Credential Retrieval and Encryption
When a user initiates a login, the MPWA system retrieves the encrypted credentials and forwards them to the web service or platform requiring authentication. Encryption ensures that passwords remain secure during transmission, typically leveraging TLS (Transport Layer Security) to safeguard against attacks like man-in-the-middle.
How Does This Help?
Credential retrieval ensures passwords are securely accessed from encrypted vaults. Encryption protects these credentials using algorithms like AES-256, securing them in transit and storage.
This process safeguards against unauthorized access and breaches, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
Password Rotation and Security Enforcement
MPWA solutions often include automated password rotation policies that generate new passwords after a set period or based on specific triggers (e.g., a detected breach). This ensures that even if credentials are compromised, they are not valid for long.
How Does This Help?
Password rotation ensures credentials are regularly updated, reducing exposure to brute force attacks. Platforms like Azure AD and AWS IAM enforce rotation policies to maintain security.
This helps prevent stale credentials from being exploited and provides additional security layers during incidents or unauthorized access attempts.
Authentication Flow and Access Control
In the authentication process, once credentials are submitted via MPWA, the system handles all back-end processes, including verifying credentials and passing necessary access tokens. In many cases, this is integrated with Single Sign-On (SSO) systems or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for additional security layers.
How Does This Help?
This safeguards token-based access across applications like AWS, Microsoft 365, or Infisign. By managing these flows and controls, systems prevent unauthorized access and maintain compliance with security policies.
Integrations with IAM
Organizations using MPWA at scale often integrate it with Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms, allowing for centralized management of access rights, privileges, and user activity monitoring.
How Does This Help?
Using IAM - these systems can improve authentication flows, prevent unauthorized access, and monitor credential usage across multiple platforms.
What are the Benefits of Managed Password Web Authentication?
MPWA offers several key benefits, particularly in terms of enhancing security, reducing operational overhead, and improving the user experience. Here are some of the primary advantages:
Enhanced Security
MPWA solutions help mitigate password-related vulnerabilities such as bot attacks, brute force attempts, and password reuse. With automation, password creation, and rotation are handled systematically, reducing human error and oversight.
These enhanced security measures help reduce or remove password-related vulnerabilities such as phishing attacks, brute force attempts, and password reuse.
Streamlined User Experience
Users benefit from a streamlined login procedure that does away with the need to memorise complicated passwords for several services. When paired with SSO and MFA, MPWA produces a secure but seamless authentication process.
Also, improving overall security and efficiency in maintaining credentials across platforms are automated user provisioning and de-provisioning procedures. This helps guarantee prompt access modifications based on role changes as soon as they happen.
Operational Efficiency
By centralizing password management and automating many aspects of security, MPWA reduces the burden on IT teams.
This includes lowering helpdesk calls for password resets, which are a major contributor to IT workload in many organizations.
Compliance and Auditability
MPWA solutions often include detailed logging and auditing features, which are essential for compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. By ensuring a consistent approach to credential management, MPWA platforms help businesses meet these stringent requirements.
Also, automated reporting tools streamline the audit process, highlighting potential vulnerabilities and ensuring proactive risk management while simplifying compliance oversight.
Reduced Risk of Credential Theft
The risk of credential theft is greatly reduced because users never directly manage their credentials. Attack vectors that depend on password vulnerability, like phishing emails or keyloggers, are much less successful.
MPWA protects credentials against unwanted access by centralising password management and using strong encryption techniques.
Sensitive data is safeguarded by this multi-layered security approach, which also increases organisational resilience to changing cyberthreats.
What are the Drawbacks of Managed Password Web Authentication?
While MPWA offers numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. Organizations should weigh the following potential drawbacks before adopting such a system:
Complex Implementation
Deploying MPWA, particularly in large, multi-platform environments, can be complex and time-consuming. Integration with legacy systems, IAM platforms, and third-party applications may require significant technical expertise and customization.
Single Point of Failure
Centralizing password management into a single system creates a potential single point of failure. If the MPWA service or the password vault is compromised, an attacker could gain access to multiple services simultaneously.
Cost Can be an Issue for Some
Many MPWA solutions, particularly enterprise-grade ones, come with significant licensing fees and may require ongoing investments in infrastructure and support. Smaller organizations may find these costs prohibitive.
User Dependence on Technology
Users who rely on MPWA may become less aware of basic cybersecurity practices. This can lead to a decrease in vigilance and security awareness, especially if the MPWA platform encounters vulnerabilities or failures.
Is Managed Password Web Authentication Worth It?
Integrating MPWA with modern authentication methods like biometrics or FIDO2 WebAuthn can further bolster security, making it an essential component of a forward-thinking security strategy.
Managed Password Web Authentication serves as a powerful tool in the modern IT landscape, offering enhanced security and convenience. Despite some challenges in implementation and cost, the long-term benefits— It can be a worthwhile investment for many organizations. Interested in SSO frameworks for web authentication? Try Infisign to streamline your workflows and improve the security framework and compliance protocols you have in place.
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