An authentication system accesses an image of a face of a user. The face of the user is partially covered by a facial mask. The authentication system detects an area on the facial mask and generates a first identification of the user based on the area on the facial mask. The authentication system also detects an exposed area uncovered by the facial mask on the face of the user and generates a second identification of the user based on the exposed area. The authentication system compares the first identification of the user with the second identification of the user, and authenticates the user based on the comparison.