5.0 Authentication Methods

Authentication comprises the following three factors:

  • Something that you know, such as a password, a PIN, or security questions.

  • Something that you have, such as a smart card, a token, or a mobile phone.

  • Something that you are, such as biometrics (fingerprint or iris).

By default, Sentinel uses single-factor authentication (SFA), which matches a password (“something that you know”) to a user name in the database. Sentinel Administrators can configure different types of strong and multi-factor techniques for all its users.

In addition to the default SFA authentication, Sentinel supports the following types of authentication:

  • LDAP Authentication: Allows users to log in to Sentinel with their LDAP directory credentials. For more information, see LDAP Authentication.

  • Kerberos Authentication: Uses secret-key cryptography to provide strong authentication. For more information, see Kerberos Authentication.

  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): A more advanced method of authentication that uses a combination of at least two factors. For example, a combination of a password and a token or a smart card and a fingerprint. For more information, see Multi-factor Authentication.

  • OAuth Authentication: Allows users to log in to Sentinel using providers such as Google or Facebook. For more information, see OAuth Authentication.

An administrator can switch to a different authentication method at any time. Once the administrator enables an authentication method, Sentinel requires all users to use the authentication process associated with the selected authentication method.

NOTE:Only Sentinel administrators can configure or enable authentication methods.