Description: Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is an authentication method that requires users to answer questions based on their personal history. This approach is used to verify a user’s identity before granting access to sensitive systems or information. Unlike other authentication methods, such as passwords or tokens, KBA relies on knowledge that only the user should possess. Questions may include details about the user’s personal life, such as the name of their first pet, the place they were born, or the model of their first car. This type of authentication is considered a form of two-factor authentication, as it combines something the user knows (the answers to the questions) with something else they possess (such as their account or device). However, KBA has faced criticism due to its vulnerability to social engineering attacks and the possibility that personal information may be accessible through social media or data breaches. Despite these concerns, KBA continues to be used in various applications, especially in account recovery and in systems where additional identity verification is required.
History: Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) began to gain popularity in the 1990s when companies started seeking more secure methods to authenticate users online. With the rise of the Internet and the increase in online transactions, the need to protect sensitive information led to the implementation of KBA as a viable solution. As concerns about the security of traditional passwords grew, KBA became an attractive alternative, especially in the context of account recovery and identity verification. However, over time, vulnerabilities in this method have been identified, leading to a reevaluation of its effectiveness compared to other, more secure authentication methods.
Uses: KBA is primarily used in account recovery, where users must answer questions to regain access. It is also applied in various systems where additional identity verification is required. Additionally, some online platforms use KBA as a secondary authentication method to protect sensitive information.
Examples: An example of KBA is the password recovery process in many online services, where users are asked to answer questions like ‘What is the name of your first pet?’. Another example can be found in financial institutions, where security questions are used to verify the customer’s identity before carrying out important transactions.
