Layered Authentication

Definition - What does Layered Authentication mean?

Layered authentication is an information security (IS) management technique in which the identity of an individual or system is verified by more than one authentication process. It provides multiple levels of authentication, depending on the underlying transaction, system or operational environment.

Two types of layered authentication are multifactor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication.

Techopedia explains Layered Authentication

Layered authentication is an identity and access management process that is implemented in an environment that has a high exposure to risk and fraud. It is typically used to authenticate individuals before granting access to a particular system and requires two or more proofs of identity for validation. For example, a layered authentication-based Internet banking solution requires at least two identity credentials, such as a username and social security number (SSN).

Similarly, in addition to personal credentials, layered authentication also may impart device level authentication, such as combining a username with a device's media access control (MAC) address.

An authentication layer also may be interdependent. For example, users are not transferred to layer 2 until they have self-authenticated on layer 1.

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