HTX Authentication Architecture — Risk-Based Access Controls

Principles of a robust authentication architecture

Authentication should be designed around least privilege, separation of duties, and defense in depth. For HTX access, segregate roles (trading, withdrawals, admin) and require progressively stronger authentication for higher-risk actions. Combine cryptographic hardware, behavioral telemetry, and policy engines to reduce reliance on a single control.

MFA tiering and policy

Establish MFA tiers: baseline (authenticator app), elevated (hardware keys), and critical (hardware keys plus operator approval) for sensitive transactions. Automate enforcement using conditional access rules based on device posture, geolocation, and risk signals. Ensure fallback paths (backup codes) are securely issued and logged.

Session telemetry and anomaly detection

Capture session metadata (device fingerprint, IP, geolocation, user agent) and feed metrics into analytics for anomaly detection. Configure alerts for atypical sequences: new device + unusual geo + high-value operation. Integrate with SOC workflows to triage potential threats quickly.

API & machine access controls

Machine accounts and API integrations should use scoped keys, IP whitelisting, and short-lived tokens where possible. Use centralized secret storage for keys, enforce audit logging of key creation/rotation, and implement mandatory review processes for keys with withdrawal permissions.

Operational resilience and drills

Maintain runbooks for account compromise scenarios: credential rotation, revocation of keys, disabling withdrawals, and evidence capture. Conduct regular tabletop exercises to validate processes and reduce time to containment during incidents.

Note: Advisory content only — not an HTX login or support portal. No credentials are requested here.