According to a report, the mobile user authentication market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.3% between 2022-2027. 

Silent network authentication strikes a balance between strong security and user convenience by verifying identities seamlessly in the background. Unlike traditional methods that require explicit user actions, it uses passive data points for continuous authentication. 

‍

Silent Network Authentication vs Silent Authentication?

Silent Network Authentication (SNA) is a verification method that leverages telecom network data to authenticate users passively without their active involvement. It uses information like SIM card details, device attributes, IP addresses and network signals to confirm a user's identity in real-time.

Silent authentication is a method which involves least involvement from the end user. The system works in the background to authenticate the user based on multiple metrics.

‍

How Mobile Network Operator Data is Used for Authentication?

Mobile network operators hold valuable information about their subscribers, such as

1. Phone numbers
2. SIM card details
3. Device information
4. Usage patterns
5. Location data

This data is used in the backend to authenticate users.

‍

Security Benefits of MNO Data

1. Cross-Referencing

MNO data can be matched with user-provided details like name, age and address for identity verification.

2. Device-SIM Link

Ensuring the SIM card matches the correct device adds an extra security layer.

3. Real-Time Check

MNO data enables instant verification, speeding up the authentication process.

4. Fraud Detection

Unusual data patterns can alert organizations to potential fraud.

‍

How to Implement MNO-Based Authentication

1. Get User Consent

Obtain clear consent from users before accessing MNO data, ensuring transparency and compliance with privacy regulations.

2. Secure Connections

Use encrypted connections (e.g., HTTPS, VPNs) to securely link to MNO databases, protecting data from cyber threats.

3. Real-Time Data Use

Implement systems for instant data checks to enable seamless, frictionless authentication without user intervention.

4. Develop Algorithms

Design algorithms to analyse MNO data, detect rarity and enhance security by verifying user identity accurately.

‍

Different Forms of Silent Authentication

Here are the different forms of silent authentication
‍

1. Behavioral Biometrics

Behavioral biometrics is an innovative approach to silent network authentication that focuses on analyzing a user's unique interaction patterns with their devices. 

Unlike traditional methods like OTP SMS verification, this technique continuously monitors behaviors such as typing speed, mouse movements and touchscreen gestures. 

By capturing these subtle cues, behavioral biometrics can silently confirm a user's identity, enhancing security without disrupting the user experience.

Key elements of behavioral biometrics

• Typing Patterns

Analyses speed, rhythm and pressure of keystrokes.

• Mouse Movements

Tracks the way a user moves and clicks with their mouse.

• Touchscreen Gestures

Observes swipes, taps, and multi-touch interactions on mobile devices.

• Voice Patterns

Identifies unique speech characteristics like tone and pitch.

• App Usage Habits

Monitors navigation paths, app switching and usage frequency.
‍

2. Device-Based Authentication

Device-based authentication is an important part of silent authentication that uses a user's device's unique features to verify identity. 

This method is effective because most people use personal devices that they don't share with others, making them perfect for digital identity authentication. By analyzing these unique device characteristics, it helps ensure secure access without needing passwords or extra user steps. 

Key elements of device-based authentication

• Device Fingerprinting

Creates a unique profile based on hardware and software attributes.

• Persistent Identifiers

Uses unchangeable hardware IDs like MAC address and IMEI number.

• Trusted Platform Modules (TPM)

Provides secure key storage, encryption, and integrity checks.

• Device Health and Configuration

Monitors OS version, security settings, and app updates.

• Contextual Information

Considers factors like geolocation, network type and usage patterns.

‍

3. Location-Based Authentication

Location-based authentication is a smart method in silent authentication that uses a user's or device's physical location to verify their identity. This extra layer of security ensures that users are accessing systems from approved locations, helping detect suspicious activity when someone tries to access from an unusual place.

Key elements of location-based authentication

• GPS

Uses satellite signals to provide accurate location data, especially for outdoor environments.

• Wi-Fi Positioning

Determines location by analysing nearby Wi-Fi networks, useful in indoor spaces.

• Cell Tower Triangulation

Estimates location using cellular network signals, effective when GPS and Wi-Fi are unavailable.

• IP Geolocation

Identifies location through the device’s IP address, offering a backup or additional data point.

• Location Context

Flags unusual or unauthorized access based on the user's physical location, enhancing security.

4. Risk-Based Authentication

Risk-based authentication is a smart approach in silent authentication that adjusts security measures based on the risk level of each authentication attempt. By evaluating multiple factors, it ensures a good balance between keeping systems secure and providing a seamless user experience.

Key elements of risk-based authentication

• Risk Factors

Evaluates key factors such as user location, device health, network information and transaction details to assess the risk level.

• Risk Scoring Engine

Assigns risk scores to each factor and calculates an overall risk level, improving over time with machine learning.

• Adaptive Authentication

Adjusts security requirements, such as adding multi-factor authentication, based on the calculated risk level.

• Policy Engine

Defines security policies for different risk levels, setting thresholds for extra verification and handling exceptions.

• User Behaviour Profiling

Tracks and updates normal user behaviour patterns to identify deviations that may indicate fraud or unauthorized access.
‍

5. Token-Based Authentication

Token-based authentication is a key method in silent network authentication that offers a secure way to verify users without needing constant login details. It is widely used in web and mobile apps due to its security, flexibility and ease of use.

Key elements of token-based authentication

• Secure Token Generation

Use cryptographically secure methods to create tokens to prevent unauthorized access.

• Token Storage

Store tokens securely on both the client side (e.g., local storage or cookies) and server side to avoid theft or tampering.

• Token Transmission

Transmit tokens over HTTPS to ensure that they are encrypted during transfer.

• Token Validation

Implement robust validation mechanisms on the server to confirm the authenticity of each token before granting access.

• Token Expiration and Revocation

Set expiration times for tokens, implement refresh mechanisms and create a process to revoke tokens when necessary for security.

6. Biometric Authentication
   
   

Biometric authentication is a modern method of verifying user identities by analysing unique biological characteristics. It provides high security while making the process quick and user-friendly. This type of authentication is becoming more common in both personal and business applications.

Key elements of biometric authentication

• Unique Physical Characteristic

Identifies users based on unchangeable traits such as fingerprints, facial features or iris patterns.

• Behavioural Biometrics

Verifies identity through habits like how a person types or walks, adding an extra layer of security.

• High Security

Biometric traits are extremely difficult to replicate or steal, making them a strong security measure.

• Seamless User Experience

Provides fast and easy authentication without the need for passwords or PINs.

• Multi-Modal Biometrics

Uses more than one biometric trait (e.g., combining facial and voice recognition) to improve accuracy and security.

You can also check our coverage on different methods of user authentication for a better understanding.

Silent Network Authentication with Message Central

Message Central provides businesses with communication and authentication solutions. The provider has pioneered in Silent Network Authentication where businesses can securely authenticate their users at multiple steps in the user journey like signup, login or checkout.

You can get in touch with the Message Central team to get started.

‍