A growing trend in digital authentication is the use of BYOI, or bring your own identity. BYOI allows users to log in to websites using their existing credentials from third-party services such as Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Google, or Amazon. This approach eliminates the need for users to create new usernames and passwords for each website they visit, streamlining the login process.
For example, TikTok, a popular social media platform, offers the option to log in using various third-party accounts. Users can simply choose their preferred account, such as Facebook or Google, and enter their credentials to access TikTok.
To enable BYOI, service providers must update their web applications to interface with the chosen identity provider (IdP). An IdP can be a social media platform, a vendor like Apple or Microsoft, a government, a bank, or even a standalone identity management service. In Europe, several governments have established their own identity services, while the U.S. government offers Login.gov for participating government agencies.
The login process with BYOI is relatively straightforward, with variations depending on the chosen IdP. For example, when logging in to TikTok with an Apple account, users are redirected to Apple.com, where they enter their Apple ID, password, and any other necessary information to verify their account. Apple then sends an access token to TikTok, confirming the user’s identity and granting them access to the platform.
BYOI offers several advantages for both users and service providers. Firstly, it simplifies the login process for users, reducing password fatigue and making it easier to access websites from different devices. Users also benefit from sharing their personal information with fewer providers, enhancing their privacy and reducing online risks.
Additionally, service providers can leverage the security measures implemented by the chosen IdP, often more extensive than what they could achieve themselves. This is especially advantageous for startups and smaller organizations with limited budgets. Furthermore, BYOI can help address compliance and privacy issues, as the IdP manages and stores the user’s credentials.
From an administrative standpoint, BYOI reduces the overhead associated with identity management, lowering operating costs for service providers. They also don’t need to invest in software and hardware for in-house identity management.
However, BYOI also presents several concerns. Some users might be reluctant to provide more personal information to large IdPs that collect vast amounts of user data. For example, if users register on TikTok using their Google account, Google gains insights into their TikTok activities.
Moreover, service providers have limited control over the identity and access management process, potentially conflicting with data privacy laws. Support issues can arise if BYOI login attempts fail, as resolving the problem with the IdP may be challenging and time-consuming.
The most significant concern with BYOI is the single point of failure it introduces. If the IdP’s systems go down, users cannot log in to other registered sites. In the event of a cyber attack compromising the IdP’s systems and data, cybercriminals could gain access to multiple accounts and sensitive user data.
Despite these concerns, BYOI continues to gain popularity as a convenient authentication solution. It is also referred to as federated authentication or BYOID.
To navigate the evolving landscape of identity and access management (IAM), it is essential to understand emerging trends and best practices in security. Organizations should stay informed about the differences between identity management and authentication and explore IAM best practices to ensure robust security measures are in place.