Adaptive Authentication: The Next Frontier in User Verification

Cornerstone Cyber
Jul 3
2 min read

Traditional multifactor authentication (MFA) applies the same challenge prompts to every sign-in, regardless of context. Adaptive authentication elevates security by evaluating real-time risk signals—device health, location, time of access—and only prompting extra factors when the situation warrants it.

Why Static MFA Falls Short

User Friction: Constant prompts for routine logins lead to frustration and “MFA fatigue.”
Bypass Techniques: Legacy MFA methods (SMS OTP, phone calls) can be phished or intercepted.

Core Components of Adaptive Authentication

Risk Assessment Engine: Entra ID Identity Protection or third-party solutions analyse signals such as:
- Sign-in location anomalies (impossible travel)
- Unmanaged or compromised device posture
- Behavioural anomalies (deviations from habitual patterns)
Contextual Challenge Policies: Define thresholds for when to require:
- Step-up authentication (e.g. additional MFA factor)
- Re-authentication for sensitive operations (e.g. download of large data sets)
- Access blocks under high-risk conditions
Seamless User Experience: For low-risk sign-ins, allow silent SSO; for high-risk events, invoke adaptive MFA or require authenticator app confirmation.

Awareness Points for IT Teams

Balancing Signals: Too many signals can over-challenge users; too few miss threats. Awareness workshops should include tuning sessions, reviewing sign-in logs to calibrate risk levels.
Reporting & Metrics: Track metrics like “MFA challenge rate,” “friction score” (user drop-off during sign-in) and “risky sign-ins blocked.” Reporting these alongside security incidents demonstrates value.

User Education & Communication

Inform staff why adaptive authentication reduces both risk and friction. Provide examples: “You won’t need MFA to sign in from your usual office device, but travelling overseas may prompt a quick app approval.” This transparency builds trust in the security measures.

Looking Ahead

As passwordless adoption grows—using FIDO2 keys or Windows Hello for Business—adaptive frameworks will incorporate newer factors (biometrics, device certificates) and retire legacy methods. Maintaining awareness of these trends ensures your organisation continuously refines its authentication strategy, marrying robust security with a user-centric experience.