Multi-Factor Authentication on Cloud

Abstract

Due to the recent security infringement incidents of single factor authentication services, there is an inclination towards the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanisms. These MFA mechanisms should be available to use on modern hand-held computing devices like smart phones due to their big share in computational devices market. Moreover, the high social acceptability and ubiquitous nature has attracted the enterprises to offer their services on modern day hand-held devices. In this regard, the big challenge for these enterprises is to ensure security and privacy of users. To address this issue, we have implemented a verification system that combines human inherence factor (handwritten signature biometrics) with the standard knowledge factor (user specific passwords) to achieve a high level of security. The major computational load of the aforementioned task is shifted on a cloud based application server so that a platform-independent user verification service with ubiquitous access becomes possible. Custom applications are built for both the iOS and Android based devices which are linked with the cloud based two factor authentication (TFA) server. The system is tested on-the-run by a diverse group of users and 98.4% signature verification accuracy is achieved.