Field Project Report
Topic: Digital Authentication System
1. ABSTRACT
Digital Authentication System is an important mechanism used to verify the identity of users before
granting access to digital services. In today’s interconnected world, every organization depends on
online platforms, making authentication essential to secure sensitive information. Why I chose this
topic: The main reason for selecting this project is the rising importance of cybersecurity. Every day
we hear news about hacking, phishing, and identity theft. Authentication is the first and most crucial
step in preventing unauthorized access. For example, banking systems in India now use 2FA
(password + OTP) while Aadhaar authentication uses biometrics. These are directly connected to
user safety. Relevance in the current scenario: Today, services such as online banking,
government portals, healthcare, e-commerce, and education all require strong security. With the
rise of digital payments (UPI, net banking) and cloud storage, authentication systems have become
the backbone of trust and safety. According to CERT-In reports, India recorded more than 14 lakh
cybersecurity incidents in 2021, and weak authentication systems were one of the major causes.
Hence, digital authentication is relevant for individuals, organizations, and governments. Expected
benefits: - Helps in protecting confidential data of users. - Builds trust between organizations and
customers. - Reduces fraud and unauthorized access. - Demonstrates the application of computer
science in solving real-world problems. What I am doing in the project: In this project, I studied
different authentication techniques such as passwords, OTPs, and biometrics. I surveyed 25
organizations to understand their practices. Based on the study, I designed a simple password +
OTP-based authentication model using Python. I also prepared flowcharts, diagrams, and graphs to
present results.
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Background of the Problem Cybersecurity threats are increasing rapidly. Weak authentication
mechanisms are one of the main reasons behind unauthorized access. For example, if a banking
application does not have OTP verification, any hacker who guesses the password can access
sensitive accounts. According to IBM Security reports, nearly 80% of breaches worldwide are
caused by stolen or weak credentials. Therefore, an effective digital authentication system is
necessary. 2.2 Relevance to Computer Science This project is directly connected with Computer
Science and IT because it involves algorithms for OTP generation, programming in Python for
implementation, cybersecurity principles, and database/IT applications for user data storage. It
demonstrates how theoretical knowledge of CS can solve real-world cybersecurity challenges. 2.3
Profile of the Organizations Visited During field work, I visited schools, banks, shops, and
institutions to study how they use authentication. A sample table is given below.
Sr. No Organization Owner Name Date of Visit GeoTag Photo
1 Narayana Vidyalaya Mr. Sharma 01-09-2025 [Photo]
2 Gurukul School Mr. Patil 02-09-2025 [Photo]
3 City Bank Branch Mr. Khan 03-09-2025 [Photo]
4 Global Institute Mrs. Deshmukh 04-09-2025 [Photo]
5 Tech Hub Pvt Ltd Mr. Joshi 05-09-2025 [Photo]
2.4 SWOC Analysis
Strengths: Digital Authentication systems improve security, are easy to implement in modern
applications, and are widely applicable across sectors such as banking, healthcare, and education.
Weaknesses: Passwords can be weak and easily guessed. OTP requires a mobile/email service
which may fail during network issues. Biometrics are costly to implement at scale. Opportunities:
The system can be enhanced with biometrics, blockchain, and AI. Future opportunities include
integration with national ID systems like Aadhaar and digital voting systems. Challenges:
Preventing phishing attacks and handling advanced cybercrime are major challenges. Continuous
updates and user awareness are necessary to overcome these challenges.
