Fail-Open Login Mechanisms

Defects in Multistage Login Mechanisms

April 30, 2020 by Krishna

Some applications use elaborate login mechanisms involving multiple stages. For example: ■ Entry of a username and password. ■ A challenge for specific digits from a PIN or a memorable word. ■ The submission of a value displayed on a changing physical token. Multistage login mechanisms are designed to provide enhanced security over the simple … Read more

Implementation Flaws in Authentication

April 30, 2020 by Krishna

Even a well-designed authentication mechanism may be highly insecure due to mistakes made in its implementation. These mistakes may lead to information leakage, complete login bypassing, or a weakening of the overall security of the mechanism as designed. Implementation flaws tend to be more subtle and harder to detect than design defects such as poor … Read more