Comparison of 2FA methods
The technical options for multi-factor authentication (MFA) are versatile and range from paper-based solutions such as TAN lists to hardware-based procedures such as QR Code with reader to the retrieval of biometric data on a smartphone.
In the following overview, we present the various procedures with their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the table below provides a comparison of the various methods with regard to the criteria of security, user-experience, management and costs. Based on your individual weighting of these factors, you can easily see in our comparison which authentication methods come into question for you.
2FA Methods with advantages and disadvantages
The best choice for your business
You want to set up 2-factor authentication for specific services in your organization, but you don't know which method fits your needs. Or are you already using 2FA but not satisfied with the implementation? Then take a moment to fill out our 2FA questionnaire and you'll receive advice and recommendations that match your information.
The main advantages and disadvantages of these methods can be seen at a glance in the following table.
| Technology | Security | User- Experience |
Management | Costs |
| Certificate | ++ | -- | - | - |
| TAN lists | - | - | - | ~ |
| Matrix cards | ~ | - | - | ~ |
| mTan | - | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| Hardware OTP | + | ~ | - | - |
| Software OTP | + | ~ | ~ | ++ |
| Push | + | ++ | ~ | + |
| QR Code with OTP | ++ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| QR Code without OTP | + | + | - | -- |
| Biometric with hardware | ++ | ~ | - | -- |
| Biometric with Smartphone | + | ++ | ~ | ~ |
| FIDO-2 | ++ | + | ~ | ~ |
| FIDO-1 | + | ~ | - | -- |
| Automated Call | + | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| E-Mail OTP | ~ | ~ | ~ | + |
| PSE | ++ | - | - | -- |
Whitepaper Airlock 2FA
The two-factor authentication (2FA, MFA or SCA for short) in the area of IT security offers double the security. In combination with efficient customer identity & access management (cIAM), numerous processes are significantly simplified.
Find out more about strong authentication and the possibilities that Airlock offers in our whitepaper.
Airlock 2FA
Airlock 2FA is integrated into Airlock IAM and makes strong authentication possible with a second factor. Every customer has the management and use of their personal keys on their smartphone (iOS and Android).
Airlock 2FA offers modern authentication methods such as one touch, offline QR code, passcode and passwordless. This user-friendly and future-proof solution is also cost-efficient.
The entire functionality is implemented as a REST API and therefore enables seamless integration into modern single page applications (SPA) and native smartphone apps.
