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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Context-Aware Authentication

Authentication that evaluates contextual signals such as location, device, time, and behavior.

Definition

Context-aware (adaptive) authentication considers attributes like 'somewhere you are' (geolocation or IP), 'something you do' (typing patterns), device health, and time of day. These signals can raise or lower assurance and trigger step-up authentication. It is a key component of zero trust and Conditional Access.

Example

A login from a new country at 3 a.m. triggers an additional MFA prompt.

Exam tip

Location and behavior are attributes, not standalone factors on most exams.

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