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Single-Sided Authentication

A method of verifying the identity of a non-human entity without requiring mutual authentication.

Description

Single-Sided Authentication (SSA) refers to a security protocol primarily used in contexts involving Non-Human Identities (NHIs) such as devices, applications, or services that communicate over a network. In this approach, only one party, typically the server or service provider, verifies the identity of the non-human entity, such as an IoT device or an automated system. The entity itself does not need to authenticate itself to the server, which simplifies the authentication process but may introduce potential security risks. For example, in IoT scenarios, a sensor may send data to a cloud service that verifies the sensor's identity but does not require the sensor to validate the cloud service’s identity. This can lead to vulnerabilities if the server is compromised or if malicious entities impersonate the server. While SSA can enhance usability and reduce overhead in communication, it is crucial to implement additional security measures to mitigate risks associated with potential impersonation or data breaches.

Examples

  • A smart thermostat sending temperature data to a cloud service that verifies the device's identity.
  • An automated payment system where a vending machine sends transaction data to a payment processor without authenticating the processor.

Additional Information

  • Single-Sided Authentication is often used in environments where devices are resource-constrained.
  • Implementing Single-Sided Authentication requires careful consideration of security implications and potential vulnerabilities.

References