Many organizations today are seeking to improve security by implementing multi-factor authentication, i.e. authentication requiring more than one independent mechanism to prove one's identity. One-time passwords in the form of hardware tokens in combination with conventional passwords have emerged as the predominant means in high security environments to satisfy the independent identification criteria for strong authentication. However, current popular public one-time passwords solutions such as HOTP, mOTP, TOTP, and S/Key depend on the computational complexity of breaking encryption or hash functions for security. This thesis will present an efficient and information-theoretically secure one-time password system called Shamir-OTP that is based upon secret sharing techniques.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) offers a wide range of methods and techniques available today. The security benefits of using MFA are almost indisputable, however, users are reluctant to adopt the technology. While many new MFA solutions are being proposed, there is a lack of consideration for user sentiment in the early stages of development. In an attempt to balance security and usability, this report investigates the feasibility of a new authentication mechanism that uses browser fingerprinting, graphical passwords, and honeytokens. This was evaluated by conducting a limited literature review, producing a prototype, interviews with test users, and security experts, as well as ensuring feasibility through a requirements checklist. The results of this research provides evidence that this mechanism is feasible, and appealing to end users. However, more investigation is required in order to ensure the mechanism's viability in a real-world deployment.

The most authentication mechanism used in certain domains like home banking, infrastructure surveillance, industrial control, etc. are commercial off the Shelf (COTS) solutions. These are packaged solutions which are adapted to satisfy the need of the purchasing organization, Microsoft, for example, is a COTS software provider. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is COTS. MFA in the context of this research provides a framework to improve the available techniques. This framework is based on biometrics and as such presents, an alternative to complement the traditional knowledge-based authentication techniques. With an overview based on the probability of failure to enroll(FTE), this research work evaluates available approaches and identifies promising avenues in utilizing MFA in modern mobile devices. Biometrics removes heuristic errors and probability adjustment errors by providing the full potential to increase MFA in mobile devices. The primary objective is to Identify discrepancies and limitation commonly faced by mobile owners during authentication.

Följande kandidatuppsats undersöker en applikation utifrån tre faktorer: säkerhet, användbarhet och funktionalitet. Arbetet tar fram en prototyp på en identifieringsapplikation som använder sig av QR-koder för att identifiera personer. Identifieringsprocessen är tänkt att fungera i t.ex. en insläppningskö på en pub. QR-koden finns i gästens mobil och dörrvakten använder den framtagna prototypen på en surfplatta eller smartphone för att scanna av gästens QR-kod. Syftet är att undersöka hur användbarheten och funktionaliteten påverkas i en applikation när det läggs till en faktor för att öka säkerheten. Detta undersöks genom ett användartest där 8 testpersoner får testa den framtagna prototypen och ge kommentarer både utifrån en gästs och en dörrvakts perspektiv. Resultaten visar på att användbarheten dras ner något i samband med att säkerheten ökar. Identifiering med hjälp av QR-läsaren tar ungefär 4 sekunder längre än vad det gör att identifiera med den vanliga metoden, d.v.s jämföra ett ID-kort med ett medlemskort. Funktionaliteten ökar i systemet eftersom att det läggs till funktionalitet för att scanna av en QR-kod och jämföra informationen ur den med en databas. Prototypen som har tagits fram i denna kandidatuppsats har utvecklingsmöjligheter och kan användas i andra sammanhang och i andra miljöer; prototypen skulle exempelvis fungera lika bra i ett affärssammanhang där affären kan ersätta sina fysiska medlemskort med en QR-kod och en avläsare för att ge sina kunder förmåner. / The following bachelor thesis examines an application based on three factors: security, usability and functionality. The work presents a prototype of an identification application that uses QR codes to identify a person. The identification process is supposed to work in eg a line to a pub. The QR-code is in the guest's mobile and the doorman uses the prototype, which this thesis presents, on a tablet or smartphone and scan the guest's QR code. The aim is to investigate how the usability and functionality is affected in an application when it is added a factor that increases the apps security. This is examined through a user test where 8 test subjects will test the developed prototype and provide feedback both from a guest and a doormans perspective. The results show that the usability decreases while the security increases. The identification with the QR reader takes about 4 seconds longer than it does to identify with the usual method, i.e. comparing an ID card with a membership card. The functionality in the system increases because we add the functionality to scan a QR-code and compare it's information with a database. The prototype that has been developed in this bachelor thesis has development potential and can be used in other contexts and in other environments; for example the prototype would work equally well in a business context in which the business can replace their membership card with a QR code and a reader to give their customers benefits.

This project is about how free, open-source tools can create reasonable, secure and flexible remote access solutions for smaller companies with a limited budget.  Secure remote access to a working environment is a solution for its time, as last year Covid-19 change the working environment for millions of employers and employees. The importance of secure remote access to a working environment became noticeable as offices closed down and employers started working from home. Still, the need for secure access to the company's infrastructure remains. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enter the picture, as it has a broad application scope and is particularly useful for secure remote access. My project was subdivided into three parts: How to implement secure remote access to a working environment within the requirements of the chosen company, which are an inexpensive solution with high-security features.  Automate the creation and distribution of all the necessary parts that their employees will need in a VPN structure. Research about the future direction regarding VPN and the importance of cybersecurity to help ensure security preparedness for the company. The chosen solution was OpenVPN and Google authenticator, together with a written bash script. It became a solution that was free, flexible, secure and scalable. But why the need and what about the future?  Research shows that a high percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises are vulnerable to cyberattacks. It also shows that these companies have the lowest cybersecurity. "It wouldn't happen to us" is dangerous but, sadly, a typical mindset throughout the S&M companies. It's primarily because of this S&M's are more exposed than larger companies. The future of VPN's has become more important than ever before, and it's something that during Covid-19 has risen in use all over the world, the research and development of VPNs has accelerated. The research objectives of this project are of high interest to many other organizations in the same position, and the presented work has helped answer the question: "Where will we stand in a few years regarding secure remote work, cybersecurity andencrypted networks?"

Main concern of this thesis is to help design a secure and reliable network system which keeps growing in complexity due to the interfaces with multiple logging sub-systems and to ensure the safety of the network environment for everyone involved. The parties somewhat involved in network systems are always in need of developing new solutions to security problems and striving to have a secure access into a network so as to fulfil their job in safe computing environments. Implementation and use of SSO (Single Sign-On) offering secure and reliable network in complex systems has been specifically defined for the overall security aspects of enterprises. The information to be used within and out of organization was structured layer by layer according to the organizational needs to define the sub-systems. The users in the enterprise were defined according to their role based profiles. Structuring the information layer by layer was shown to improve the level of security by providing multiple authentication mechanisms. Before implementing SSO system necessary requirements are identified. Thereafter, user identity management and different authentication mechanisms were defined together with the network protocols and standards to insure a safe exchange of information within and outside the organization. A marketing research was conducted in line of the SSO solutions. Threat and risk analysis was conducted according to ISO/IEC 27003:2010 standard. The degree of threat and risk were evaluated by considering their consequences and possibilities. These evaluations were processed by risk treatments. MoDAF (Ministry of Defence Architecture Framework) used to show what kind of resources, applications and the other system related information are needed and exchanged in the network. In essence some suggestions were made concerning the ideas of implementing SSO solutions presented in the discussion and analysis chapter.

In the thesis are described and implemented 5 methods (some with their own proposal) of multifactor authentication in web application environment. The results of the work is the web application and individual authentication methods (which are attached separately) for use in your own web application.

Background: Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a critical IT securityframework for managing digital identities and resource access. With roots datingback to ancient civilizations, IAM has evolved from basic authentication to sophisticated methods. Okta, a leading cloud-based IAM platform founded in 2009, excelsin identity management, authentication, and access control. It is recognized for itscommitment to security and adaptability to cybersecurity challenges. As of October2023, Okta maintains its prominent position in the IAM market, acknowledged byGartner’s Magic Quadrant for Access Management, worldwide. Objectives: The objective of this thesis is to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of security services, specifically focusing on their integration with IAMsolutions. This investigation seeks to provide an examination of security serviceslike Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single Sign On (SSO) and evaluate theireffectiveness in conjunction with IAM. By doing so, we aim to determine which security approach offers the most robust protection in our digitally interconnected world. Methods: The primary goal of this methodology is to create a robust, secure,and user-friendly authentication and access management system using Okta withinan IAM framework. This involves the integration of both MFA and SSO features.To kickstart the process, we establish a controlled environment that mirrors thereal-world scenarios. Okta is chosen as the IAM tool, and its deployment involvesmanaging user identities, controlling access, and handling authentication. Results: The result of the study on the comparative analysis of security servicesusing IAM reveals distinct differences in the effectiveness and features among securityservices. Key findings highlight variations in authentication methods, authorizationmechanisms, and overall security robustness. This comprehensive examination provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different IAM-basedsecurity services, offering a foundation for informed decision-making in selecting themost suitable solution for specific organizational needs. Conclusions: This thesis conclusively demonstrates the efficacy of integrating SSOand MFA into IAM. The incorporation of Biometric Authentication and Time basedOne Time-Password (TOTP) in MFA garnered strong user preference. SSO implementation streamlined authentication, reducing steps and enhancing ease of use.The overwhelmingly positive user feedback and robust security measures validateSSO+MFA as a valuable contribution to IAM, ensuring data security and user confidence.

I takt med en ökad digitalisering har det blivit ett allt större fokus på IT-säkerhet. Det finns olika typer av lösningar för att stärka IT-säkerheten och att implementera multifaktorautentisering är en av dem. I organisationers säkerhetsarbete spelar användarna en viktig roll, samtidigt kan de betraktas som ett säkerhetshot snarare än en resurs. I den här intervjustudien undersöker vi hur en implementering av multifaktorautentisering påverkar användarnas digitala arbetsmiljö. För att förstå detta har studien använt en kvalitativ datainsamlingsmetod där tio semistrukturerade intervjuer med anställda från Malmö universitet har genomförts. I analysen av resultatet har bland annat Technology Acceptance Model, Protection Motivation Theory samt ett fenomenologiskt perspektiv använts som teoretiska utgångspunkter. Studien visar att det finns en oförutsägbarhet med multifaktorautentisering som skapar en kognitiv omställning och ett hinder i arbetsflödet. Det framgår även att användarnas medvetenhet om IT-säkerhet är en viktig faktor i acceptansen av säkerhetsåtgärder så som multifaktorautentisering. Studien lyfter fram att det krävs en bra användarupplevelse bland befintliga IT-system för att välkomna och anpassa sig till framtida implementeringar av säkerhetssystem. / As digitalization has increased, there has been a growing focus on IT security. There are various types of solutions to strengthen IT security, and implementing multi-factor authentication is one of them. In the security efforts of organizations, users play an important role, but they can also be seen as a security threat rather than a resource. In this interview study, we examine how the implementation of multi-factor authentication affects users' digital work environment. To understand this, the study used a qualitative data collection method, conducting ten semi-structured interviews with employees from Malmö university. In the analysis of the results, the study utilized theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Protection Motivation Theory, and a phenomenological perspective. The study reveals that there is unpredictability associated with multi-factor authentication, creating a cognitive adjustment and a hindrance in workflow. It is also evident that users' awareness of IT security is an important factor in accepting security measures such as multi-factor authentication. The study emphasizes the need for a good user experience in existing IT systems to welcome and adapt to future implementations of security systems.

Multi-factor authentication is a term that was foreign until a few years ago. But in reality, it has been around for decades in the world of computer security. In theory, has the purpose to improve the security of user authentication by adding an extra layer of security to the process. Although password authentication has been shown to be an imperfect technique, it is still the most widely used today. That is why this research has been carried out, to shed light on the issue of why multi-factor authentication is not a fundamental pillar in security. For this, two promising protocols of the second authentication factor have been chosen, Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) and Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), and the usability of these methods has been compared together with password authentication usability as well. A Systematic Literature Review has been executed to answer the raised research question. Although the setup and login processes of the protocols are excessively slow, the results show that the U2F devices are overall more usable than TOTP, as they have a more “friendly” daily usage. But not enough data has been found on TOTP to be able to make a comparison with a solid basis. / La autenticación de múltiples factores es un término que era extraño hasta hace varios años. Pero en realidad, ha existido durante décadas en el mundo de la seguridad informática. En teoría, su objetivo es mejorar la seguridad del proceso de autenticación de usuarios, agregando una capa adicional de seguridad al proceso. Aunque se ha demostrado que la autenticación de contraseña es una técnica imperfecta, sigue siendo la más utilizada en la actualidad. Esta es la razón por la que se ha realizado esta investigación, para arrojar luz sobre el tema de por qué la autenticación de múltiples factores no es un pilar fundamental en la seguridad. Para ello, se han elegido dos protocolos prometedores del segundo factor de autentificación, como son, Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) y Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), y se ha comparado la usabilidad de estos métodos junto con usabilidad de la autenticación por contraseña. Se ha realizado una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura (Systematic Literature Review) para dar respuesta a la pregunta de investigación planteada. Aunque los procesos de configuración e inicio de sesión de los protocolos son excesivamente lentos, los resultados muestran que los dispositivos U2F son en general mas usables ya que tienen un uso diario más “amigable”. Pero no se han encontrado suficientes datos sobre TOTP para poder hacer una comparación con una sólida base. / <p><strong>Laburpena</strong> [Summary/Abstract, Basque/baskiska]</p><p>Faktore-anitzeko autentifikazioa orain dela urte gutxi arte arrotza izan den terminoetako bat da. Baina, egia esan, hamarkada batzuk daramatza segurtasun informatikoaren munduan errotua. Teorian, erabiltzaileen autentifikazio-prozesuaren segurtasuna hobetzeko helburu du, prozesuari segurtasun-geruza berri bat gehituz. Pasahitz autentifikazio teknika inperfektua dela frogatu bada ere, gaur egun oraindik erabiliena da. Horregatik egin da ikerketa hau, faktore anitzeko autentifikazioa zergatik ez den segurtasunaren oinarrizko zutabea argitzeko. Horretarako, faktore-anitzeko autentifikazio barruan aurkitzen diren bi protokolo itxaropentsu aukeratu dira, hala nola, Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) eta Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), eta hauen erabilgarritasuna konparatu da pasahitz bidezko erabilgarritasunarekin batera. Planteatutako ikerketa galderari erantzuteko Literatura Ikerketa Sistematikoa (Systematic Literature Review) burutu da, protokolo bakoitzaren onurak/eragozpenak bilduz eta hauen arteko konparaketa bat eginez. Protokoloen konfigurazio eta saioa hasteko prosezuak motelegiak badira ere, emaitzek erakusten dute U2F gailuak orokorreak TOTP baino erabilgarriagoak direla, eguneroko erabilera “lagunartekoagoa” baitute. Baina ez da datu nahikorik aurkitu TOTP-en oinarri sendo batekin konparazio bat egin ahal izateko.</p><p><strong>HITZ-GAKOAK:</strong> autentifikazioa, faktore-anitzeko autentifikazioa, Universal 2nd Factor, U2F, Time-based One-time Password, TOTP, alderaketa, erabilgarritasuna</p>