Discussion: Smart Card Versus Authenticator App ✓ Solved

Discussion Smart Card Versus Authenticator Appthe Personal Identity V

Discussion: Smart Card versus Authenticator App The Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card is used in non-military government agencies for authentication and identification to gain access to systems, networks, and online resources. These cards, in combination with a personal identification number, meet two-factor requirements. PIV credentials also are designed to help reduce counterfeiting and are tamper-resistant.

An authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, is another method to achieve two-factor authentication. It is a free app available for installation on mobile devices. The U.S. federal government authorizes the use of PIVs as well as authenticator apps, depending on the circumstances.

Answer the following question(s): In what type of situation would an authenticator app provide adequate two-factor authentication for federal government use? Provide rationale or a citation for your answer. In what type of situation would a PIV be required for federal government use? Provide rationale or a citation for your answer. Fully address the questions in this discussion; provide valid rationale or a citation for your choices; and respond to at least two other students’ views. Initial post should be at least 350 words in length.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the context of federal government authentication methods, both authenticator apps and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards serve vital roles in ensuring secure access to sensitive systems and information. The choice of method largely depends on the specific security requirements, operational environment, and user convenience considerations associated with different situations.

Authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator, are suitable in scenarios that demand flexibility, ease of deployment, and remote access capabilities. For instance, when federal employees or contractors need to access government systems remotely from personal devices or when swift onboarding of users is necessary, authenticator apps provide a practical solution. They generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), which enhance security without requiring physical tokens or cards. Moreover, authenticator apps facilitate quick setup and scalability, making them ideal in dynamic environments where users require immediate access without the logistical constraints of distributing physical cards (National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST], 2017).

However, despite their advantages, authenticator apps may not suffice in highly sensitive or high-security environments where the risk of device compromise, loss, or theft remains significant. Therefore, for highly classified or critical infrastructure access, a PIV card is often mandated. PIV cards, embedded with cryptographic certificates and tamper-resistant features, provide a higher level of assurance through physical possession and cryptographic authentication (Furnell & Karweni, 2020). They are typically required for access to classified information, secure facilities, or operations involving national security interests. The physical nature of PIV cards ensures that even if a device is compromised, unauthorized access is substantially minimized, aligning with strict security policies mandated by federal regulations.

In summary, authenticator apps are adequate in situations requiring flexible, quick, and remote access, especially when security risks are manageable, and ease of use is prioritized. Conversely, PIV cards are indispensable for access to highly sensitive or classified information and in environments where physical presence and cryptographic proof of identity are mandated by security policies.

References

• Furnell, S., & Karweni, F. (2020). Security in Identity Management Systems. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(1), 45-59.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2017). Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST Special Publication 800-63-3.