A comparative usability study of single-factor and two-factor authentication

Abstract

In this research study, an experiment was conducted to describe the users’ perceptions towards comparison of single-factor and two-factor authentication methods on a social media application with usability and security utilizing three different One-Time Password generator software’s on mobile phone. The research took place with 50 social media users. First single factor authentication procedure was performed followed by Two Factor Authentication process. The data were gathered through 7-point Liker scale using a questionnaire for testing the usability. Comparison was done between single-factor with two-factor authentication approach. The responses were compared through t-test using SPSS version 21. There was statistically significant difference between both authentication methods. According to the results, two-factor authentication method is more secure than single-factor authentication.

Beside it, this approach was having less perception of usability and lesser evaluations for comfort and convenience for the two-factor variant. Likewise, the two component validation form took more time for members to finish. This examination gives important experimental proof of the compromise among security and ease of use in computerized frameworks.