Overview#

Multiple-channel Authentication (MCA) is a method of Multi-Factor Authentication where one or more the Authentication Factors involved are communicated over separate communication channels or protocols.

The concept is that an Attacker would be challenged to determine:

• which channels are being used
• the timing differences of the separate channels would be more difficult to intercept
• requires knowledge on determining the weakness of each channel

This implies for an attacker to gain access to the user's account, all involved channels must be compromised, which requires a greater Attack Effort

Generally, Multiple-channel Authentication implies a higher Level Of Assurance for Authentication.

Multiple-channel Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication#

Generally, Multiple-channel Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication is stronger than either of the separate practices.

More Information#

There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:

• Authentication Channel
• Authentication Method
• Authentication Method Reference Values
• Cross-platform Authentication
• MCA
• Risk-Based Authentication
• SS7 hack
• What To Do About Passwords

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• [#1] - A SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTICHANNEL, MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION - based on information obtained 2017-07-03
• [#2] - Multi-channel, Multi-level Authentication for More Secure eBanking - based on information obtained 2017-07-03