Methods, systems, and devices for user authentication are described. A user may attempt an authentication procedure when accessing an application or cloud platform. When the user requests access to the application or cloud platform, a server may determine one or more unique identifiers to display at a first application for the user, and the user may select one of the unique identifiers. The server may then display unique identifiers (e.g., in some cases, the same unique identifiers) at a second application associated with the user. The user may verify that the selected unique identifier is displayed on the second application, and may select the same unique identifier in the second application. Additionally, the user may input a user-specific identifier to confirm their identity. The server may authenticate the user's identity if the user selected matching unique identifiers, and if the user-specific identifier matches an expected identifier for the user.