Know, Have, Are: The Three Pillars of Authentication

What does it really mean to prove you are who you say you are online? This article breaks down the core factors of authentication into three simple categories: something you KNOW (like a password or PIN), something you HAVE (like your phone or a hardware token), and something you ARE (like your fingerprint or face). You'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of each factor, from the risk of a stolen password to the convenience of a biometric scan. Understanding these pillars is essential for designing and evaluating secure login systems for any application.