Authentication Jargon Decoded: Terms and Options Explained
When you sign up for a new app, website, or online service, you quickly discover a bewildering menu of “authentication” choices - passwords, PINs, biometric scans, security keys, one‑time codes, and more. They often sound interchangeable, yet each carries its own trade‑offs for convenience, security, and privacy.
Let’s pause for a minute and untangle the landscape. We’ll break down the core concepts, demystify the terminology, and give you practical guidance on which methods make sense for different scenarios.
The Core Ingredients
At its simplest, any authentication flow combines two elements:
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Identity | Who you claim to be (e.g., email address, username, or phone number). |
| Proof | How you prove that identity (the secret code, password, or token you present). |
Think of it like going through security at the airport: you first present your boarding pass (identity) and then show a government‑issued ID (verification) to confirm you’re who you say you are. Most everyday logins use a user ID (the identifier) plus a secret (a password, PIN, or similar). Modern alternatives - fingerprint or facial scans, hardware security keys, one‑time passcodes - replace or supplement that secret with something harder for an attacker to copy or guess.
In the sections that follow we’ll explore the most common verification methods, point out where they overlap, and highlight what you should know so you can pick the right balance for your needs.
Identity
Identity used to be straightforward: enter your email address and that was it. However, it quickly became apparent that wasn’t always ideal, as the address can be visible to other users in certain contexts (e.g., comment threads). Depending on how a service uses the identifier, there are several options:
| Option | Definition |
|---|---|
| Email Address | The most common form of identification. We recommend using a unique alias email. It’s a secondary address that forwards to your primary inbox. This protects your main address from exposure and reduces the risk of credential‑stuffing attacks. |
| Username / User ID | A distinct identifier separate from an email address. Often visible to other users on forums or social platforms. Financial institutions sometimes prefer usernames because email addresses can change. If the ID isn’t public, use a random string of letters and numbers unique to each site to obscure half the information an attacker would need. |
| Assigned User ID | Some services generate a random ID for you automatically, requiring no personal information. This offers strong anonymity, but the ID is usually immutable. |
| Mobile Phone Number | Generally the least desirable option. Because people tend to keep the same number for years, it can become a persistent tracking vector. Consider using a disposable number service such as MySudo, Cloaked, or SMSPool instead. |
These are the most common forms of identity observed within websites and applications. Next are the various ways to authenticate.
Verification
Verification is the secret component that proves you own the User ID. The key with all of the following suggestions is to use a password manager so you only have to remember one master password. Another point to consider is making passwords and passphrases longer, as it significantly improves security by exponentially increasing the number of possible combinations an attacker must try. Some sites may still have limits on passwords, but generally speaking anything around 20 characters will be more secure than a typical 12‑character password.
Let's get into the options you might encounter:
| Method | Description | User Approach / Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Password | A string of letters, numbers, and special characters, often subject to site complexity rules (e.g., minimum length, requirement of at least one capital letter). | Use a password manager to generate and store long, complex, and unique passwords for every site. Avoid using personal information. |
| Passphrase | A longer, more memorable sequence of words, often separated by spaces or punctuation (e.g., Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple). |
Again, use a password manager. Many also support generating passphrases. Longer is generally more secure than complex. Aim for four or more random, unrelated words. |
| Passkeys | A cryptographic key pair that replaces passwords entirely. It uses biometrics (fingerprint/Face ID) or a PIN on your device to log in, often backed by a platform like Google, Apple, or a password manager that stores the private key in the device’s secure enclave. | The strongest option. Use it whenever offered. It’s phishing‑resistant and eliminates the need to remember a password. Most mobile devices natively support them as well as a growing number of password managers. |
| Magic Link / Email Link | The site emails you a temporary, single‑use link. Clicking the link logs you in without requiring a password. | Check the sender carefully before clicking the link. Never share the email or the link. Delete after using. This is one of the least desirable options because email is not secure by default. |
| PIN (Personal Identification Number) | Numeric code, usually 4 to 6 digits long. | Typically used within devices and apps, a PIN also serves as a backup to biometric authentication. Never use the same PIN as your debit card or a known phone number. |
In general, we prefer using Passkeys as the most secure option. However, they're not always available. Passwords and phrases are text that can be captured by key‑logging malware or entered on fake website, so be careful with them.
Because of genuine concern about security, some sites may offer a second form of authentication verification, so let's learn more about multi‑factor authentication.
Multi‑Factor Authentication
Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) adds a second (or more) layer of security beyond the primary password or passkey. In short, it’s an additional secret that only you have and that secret may come in multiple forms:
| Method | Type of Factor | User Approach / Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticator App | Application, such as Ente Auth or Proton Authenticator. Both are free options. | The best commonly available option. Uses a shared token between the website and the app to generate a Time‑based One‑Time Password (TOTP). Some password managers support this but we advise against keeping this information with the passwords. Much more secure than SMS codes. |
| Hardware Security Key | A physical device, such as the YubiKey. | The most secure option. Requires plugging in a small USB/NFC device, or tapping it to your phone. It is phishing‑resistant. Hardware security keys are available in a wide range of prices. |
| SMS Text Message (OTP) | A system‑generated code sent via SMS. | The most common method for financial institutions. The site texts a One‑Time Password (OTP) to your registered phone number. We suggest using an unknown alternative phone number for security, such as one of the services mentioned above. Leading cause of SIM‑swapping crime. |
| Email OTP | A system‑generated code sent via email. | A code is sent to your email address. Not generally considered a secure option. |
| Biometrics | Leverages the biometric security of a mobile device. Generally applies more to apps. | Used locally on a device (e.g., Face ID, fingerprint scan) to unlock a Passkey or authenticate access to an app. Most mobile devices store biometric data in a dedicated security chip, and it never leaves the device. |
Next Steps
Authentication doesn't have to be a confusing burden. By understanding the core concepts of Identity and Verification, you can move away from generic, weak security and start building a personalized, robust defense plan for your digital life.
The Essential Action Plan
- Stop Memorizing, Start Managing: Immediately adopt a password manager to generate and store long, unique passwords/passphrases for every single service. This is your single most important step.
- Use Passkeys When You Can: Whenever available, choose Passkeys over traditional passwords. They are phishing-resistant and offer the highest level of convenience and security currently available.
- Harden Your MFA: Prioritize the use of Authenticator Apps (like Ente or Proton) or, ideally, a Hardware Security Key for your most sensitive accounts (email, banking, password manager). Avoid relying solely on SMS for MFA, as it is the most vulnerable option.
- Protect Your Primary Identity: Use alias emails or unique usernames where possible to prevent the exposure of your primary email address and phone number, protecting you from large-scale credential-stuffing attacks.
Treat your authentication methods not as a series of hurdles, but as the foundational layers of your personal digital fortress. By making informed choices today, you significantly reduce your risk and ensure that you and only you remain in control of your online identity.
Remember: We may not have anything to hide, but everything to protect.
