Selecting the Optimal Biometric 2-factor Authentication Method — a User’s Viewpoint

Abstract

We present the concept of a new biometric Smart Card based authentication method for our enterprise by discussing the motive, possible form factors and technological specialties such as using a TPM. Usability and user’s feedback were determined through a pilot phase.

The business case is mostly determined by integration, thus rendering other existing authentication mechanisms and devices obsolete.

This paper discusses briefly conceptual advantages and disadvantages of 2-factor authentication methods and describes the decision making process we undertook in finding the optimal authentication method for our enterprise. We did a very thorough evaluation of an USB device containing a smart card and a biometric fingerprint reader. The pros and cons of this combination are discussed in detail and compared to other 2-factor authentication methods as well as to the old fashioned password (1- factor method).