5 Ways to Improve User Trust and Confidence with Secure Authentication Methods
Published: 2024-06-22 08:31:09

---
title: 5 Ways to Improve User Trust and Confidence with Secure Authentication Methods
published: true
date: 2023-07-13 20:03:58 UTC
tags: 
canonical_url: https://mojoauth.com/blog/ways-to-improve-user-trust-and-confidence-with-secure-authentication-methods/
---

User authentication is essential for authorized data access and trust. No authentication means no accountability and severe consequences. Take an example of [TikTok’s](https://fortune.com/2022/12/22/tiktok-data-privacy-blunder-china-bytedance-bans-journalist-accounts/) unauthorized data breach by internal employees in 2022, which caused the social media platform’s massive impact on user trust.

Secure authentication allows organizations to ensure that data access is restricted to authorized users only. This is crucial when most [customers consider](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/why-digital-trust-truly-matters) data protection as important as pricing and delivery time. Fortunately, there are methods that you can use to secure the authentication process for data access.

For **example** , you can use a multi-factor authentication method to ensure users trying to access the data is the intended recipient of that information. Another way to ensure users can trust your brand is by securing the website browsing experience.

To ensure website security, you can install SSL certificates that help secure the communication between a browser and a server. This article focuses on many secure authentication methods that help improve user trust and confidence.

## 1. Use Magic Link Authentication

Magic link authentication has become increasingly popular among developers due to its convenience, heightened security, and user-friendly nature. This method allows for user authentication without the reliance on conventional passwords, making the process both secure and hassle-free.

### Authentication/Registration process

Magic link passwordless authentication refers to a convenient way for users to log into a website or application. Instead of entering a password, users simply need to click on a unique and time-sensitive link sent to their email address. This link contains a token that verifies their identity. Once the user clicks on the link, they are granted immediate access without the need for a password.

The process starts when the user requests to log in to their account. Instead of providing their email and password, they are asked to enter only their email address. Once they submit their email, a special link is created and sent to their email inbox. The user can open the email and click on the link, which will verify their identity and log them into the desired application or website.

### Use cases for Magic Link authentication

One of the main scenarios where magic link authentication is widely used is when there is a need for a smooth and passwordless user experience. This approach eliminates the requirement for users to remember and handle complicated passwords, thus reducing the risk of weak or reused passwords. It also gets rid of the inconvenience of password reset procedures, as the link serves as both an authentication mechanism and a password reset function.

### Benefits of Magic Link authentication

Magic link authentication provides enhanced security compared to traditional password-based authentication. Traditional password-based authentication carries the risk of password leaks or brute-force attacks. In contrast, magic link authentication uses a unique link that expires after a specific time or upon successful login. This additional security measure ensures that the link cannot be reused or accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Magic link authentication offers a more user-friendly experience in addition. Instead of remembering and entering complicated passwords, users can save time and avoid frustration. This seamless and user-friendly authentication process can increase user engagement and improve conversion rates.

The scalability of magic link authentication is another advantage. Regardless of the size of your user base, whether it’s small or millions of users, the process of generating and sending magic links can easily handle any scale. This feature makes it a valuable solution for startups, enterprises, and any organization that wants to simplify their authentication process.

## 2. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

The [multi-factor mechanism](https://mojoauth.com/blog/mfa-vs-sso/) enables organizations to ensure that data access is provided only to the authorized person. MFA adds an extra layer of protection through multiple verifications of the user identity.

For example, the two-factor authentication(2FA) mechanism ensures that users authenticate their identity through their credentials and a passcode sent on personal devices like smartphones. Similarly, businesses can also leverage token-based data access mechanisms where users get one-time access to information through tokens.

Multi-factor authentication mechanism works by asking users to provide multiple forms of identity during account registration. The system will store all the IDs along with crucial user information. Whenever a user tries to log in, it will verify the input with stored data and an added security layer.

### Registration process

The user creates an account with a username and password. Further, users must link personal information like cellphone numbers or physical verification devices with the username. They can even link an email address or authenticator app code.

### Authentication

When a user logins to the website with the MFA mechanism enabled, they need to provide a username and password, considered the first authentication factor. Additionally, the second-factor authentication response from the MFA device, like a smartphone, will ensure thorough verification.

Further, the system may issue a passcode or passphrase to the user’s device, completing the authentication process.

### Use cases for MFA secure authentication

- Google/Microsoft accounts
- Social media accounts
- Internal data access within enterprises
- Network access interface
- ECommerce websites
- Financial institutions like banks

### Benefits of MFA

- Increased security through an extra layer of user authentication.
- Protection against password-based attacks like phishing and brute force.
- Safeguarding sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access.
- Enhanced defense against account hijacking and identity theft.
- Improved compliance with security regulations and standards.
- Mitigation of risks associated with weak or compromised passwords.
- Flexibility in choosing authentication methods tailored to user preferences.
- Reduced likelihood of successful credential-based attacks.
- Enhanced user confidence and trust in online services.
- Increased resistance to social engineering tactics and account compromise.

## 3. Single Sign-On (SSO)

SSO allows users to log in to the application with a single sign-in which permits access to many other apps. It is like a digital pass where once you log in, there is no need to be logged in again. SSO does offer the convenience of single sign-in, which does not require repeated login attempts and can reduce [credential stuffing](https://mojoauth.com/blog/what-is-credential-stuffing-how-to-prevent-credential-stuffing-attacks/).

Organizations can identify a primary domain or Identification and Access Management(IAM) system to create secure customer SSO links. This process will allow businesses to facilitate domain-monitored logins, ensuring better data access security.

### Use cases of SSO

- Streamlining data access within the organization
- ECommerce login page
- Gaming apps
- Government system access

### Benefits of SSO

- Helps improve the productivity of an organization
- Lower IT and data storage costs as you don’t need multiple instances to save several log in data for a user
- Provides stronger security and better data protection

## 4. Certificate-based authentication

Certificate-based authentication uses digital certificates to identify users and authenticate data access. A digital certificate is like an electronic identity, which includes an app publisher’s identity a public key and the digital signature of a certification authority.

Secure socket layer (SSL) are a type of digital certificate that you can use to secure your software. It leverages cryptographic encryption to ensure that when users sign in, they can provide a digital certificate for authentication. Whether you are an individual or an organization, getting an SSL certificate is easy and there are tons of options.

For example, you can opt for a domain validation certificate to log in to your website admin securely. Further, there are options such as the lowest or [cheap RapidSSL certificate](https://www.cheapsslshop.com/rapidssl-ssl-certificates), Comodo SSL certificate, Sectigo SSL certificate. An owner can get a wildcard SSL certificate to secure multiple sub-domains.89

### Use cases of certificate-based +authentication

- Restricted access to corporate resources
- Cloud-based storage security
- Mobile device security management
- E-commerce transaction security
- Payment gateways(RSA-based encryptions)

### Benefits of certificate-based authentication

- Is highly secure and offers a robust authentication mechanism
- Requires lower user involvement for authentication
- Does not require additional hardware or physical device for authentication
- Reduces insecure password practices

## 5. Biometrics authentication

Probably one of the most secure authentication methods is the biometric method. The reason is simple; users need to provide their physical identities for verification, making it authentic. This method uses physiological features to authenticate users, from facial recognition to fingerprint and retina scans.

By using biometric authentication, users no longer need to remember passwords. This authentication method is very secure as each individual has unique biological features.

### Use case of biometric authentication

- Mobile devices
- High-security organizations such as military and government institutions.
- Secure access to patient data
- Banks and financial institutions

### Benefits of biometric authentication

- Offers better data protection
- Improves authentication accuracy
- Faster authentication and enhanced user experience

## 6. Token-based authentication

Tokens help users authenticate their identity, which has information including username and password. In this method, users must provide a username and password to get the token issued. Once the username and password are received, the server will issue a token, which is time sensitive.

Users need to use the token to access the restricted resources. The server can track the tokens, authenticate user identity, and revoke the validity of the token if needed. Many types of tokens are available that you can use for token-based authentication processes,

- **JSON Web Tokens (JWT)** are compact and self-contained tokens with user-defined attributes.

- **Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)** is XML-based, which includes details about the user, issuer, and service provider.

### Use case of token-based authentication

- Data access for web and mobile apps
- API security
- Banking and financial institutions
- Internet of Things(IoT) security
- Cloud-based security

### Benefits of token-based authentication

- Provides language-agnostic authentication method
- Offers higher security with reduced costs
- Users only require the token for login improving entire experience

## Signing Off

Secure authentication methods can help improve the user experience, increase confidence and brand trust. This is why ensuring you employ appropriate user authentication mechanisms for your projects becomes crucial. We have discussed different secure authentication methods, their use cases, and their benefits. However, which approach you want to use for your project will depend on specific requirements.