Are You Who You Say You Are?

Hacking is not a new concern. In 1903, a wireless telegraph system was being demonstrated to the public for the first time by sending a message from London to Cornwall. What the inventor had not realized until it was too late was that his competitor (a wired telegraph system) started sending messages over the wireless system containing the word “rat” over and over and a limerick that I will not repeat here. While the demonstration may have failed; it illustrated the need for data security and the business case for wired communications. Today, we cannot check our bank balance without proving our identities at least twice.

ANB uses several methodologies to provide secure access to its systems. Two features include MFA and SSO. First, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) uses two or more pieces of evidence to grant a user access. This evidence can be something only the user can know, possesses, or another unique attribute. This provides a layer of security more than a simple login password. The second method is Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO allows the user to log in to multiple platforms with a single set of credentials. SSO reduces password fatigue and time spent re-entering passwords. Additionally, this provides better network security as it reduces a common source of breaches of users writing down their passwords.

ANB understands that your data is a valuable asset. Securing data access protects a company from financial loss and damage to its brand. In case you were wondering, the first instance of bio-metric hacking may have been in the Book of Genesis, where Jacob wore the pelt of an animal to deceive his blind father into believing he was his brother Esau. Esau had a great deal of body hair, while Jacob did not. (Genesis 27:11)