Asynchronous Authentication

arXiv:2312.13967v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: A myriad of authentication mechanisms embody a continuous evolution from verbal passwords in ancient times to contemporary multi-factor authentication. Nevertheless, digital asset heists and numerous identity theft cases illustrate the urgent need to revisit the fundamentals of user authentication. We abstract away credential details and formalize the general, common case of asynchronous authentication, with unbounded message propagation time. Our model, which might be of independent interest, allows for eventual message delivery, while bounding execution time …

arxiv asset asynchronous authentication case cases continuous credential cs.cr cs.dc digital evolution factor fundamentals general identity identity theft mechanisms multi-factor multi-factor authentication passwords theft urgent