Two-factor authentication through near field communication

The cloud has revolutionized mobile applications utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). While the cloud enables information technology as the fifth utility, it has also expanded the attack surface. Security breaches, where sensitive data are compromised, have shaken the users' trust in cloud services. High profile incidences include iCloud, LastPass, and even the Office of Personnel Management for the United States Government. The cloud and the IoT as a whole require a way to establish users' faith in the security of their data. Authentication, a process to verify a user's credential before granting access, is the first line of defense in cybersecurity. This paper proposes a novel authentication scheme for mobile device featuring Near Field Communication (NFC). The scheme offers operational convenience with strong authentication.