What is Contextual Authentication? - senhasegura Glossary

Contextual Authentication, also known as adaptive authentication or risk-based authentication, is an advanced authentication approach that evaluates various contextual factors to determine the legitimacy of an access request. This method considers the context in which the authentication attempt occurs, rather than relying solely on static credentials like passwords.

By adapting the authentication process based on the perceived risk, contextual authentication enhances security while maintaining a balance with user convenience.

Contextual Authentication evaluates a range of factors to assess the risk associated with a login, transaction, or authentication attempt. These can include:

• Location: The geographical location from which the access request is made.
• Time: The time of day or day of the week when the request is made.
• Device: The type of device and its security status (e.g., whether it is a trusted or known device).
• Network: The network being used for access, such as a corporate network versus a public Wi-Fi network.
• User Behavior: Anomalies in user behavior patterns, such as unusual login times or locations.

Based on this assessment, it adjusts the authentication requirements in real-time. It represents a sophisticated approach to security management, providing a dynamic and effective way to protect user accounts and sensitive information based on real-time assessments of risk. This strategy is increasingly important in a landscape where user interactions are varied and multifaceted, necessitating flexible and adaptive security measures.

Contextual Authentication enhances the security of privileged access by adding intelligence to the authentication process. By considering the context of each access request, organizations can more effectively mitigate risks and prevent unauthorized access to critical systems and sensitive data.