Multi-factor Authentication as a Service

An architecture for providing multi-factor authentication as a service is proposed, resting on the principle of a loose coupling and separation of duties between network entities and end user devices. The multi-factor authentication architecture leverages Identity Federation and Single-Sign-On technologies, such as the OpenID framework, in order to provide for a modular integration of various factors of authentication. The architecture is robust and scalable enabling service providers to define risk-based authentication policies by way of assurance level requirements, which map to concrete authentication factor capabilities on user devices.