What Is Passwordless Authentication?

Passwordless authentication is a way of logging into a computer system that does not need the user to input a password.
Most commonly, users are required to input a public identifier (such as their username, phone number, or email address) and then provide a secure proof of identification via a registered device or token to complete the authentication process.

Authentication that does not need a password is known as passwordless authentication, and it allows users to log into a computer system without needing to enter (or remember) a password or any other secret knowledge.

Most commonly, users are required to input a public identifier (such as their username, phone number, or email address) and then provide a secure proof of identification via a registered device or token to complete the authentication process.

2 Types Of Factors

Ownership factors –

such as a mobile phone, One Time Password token, Smart card or a hardware token.

Inherence factors –

such as fingerprints, retinal eye scans, facial recognition, voice recognition and other biometric identifiers.

Without a password, most authentication systems use public key cryptography.

The public key is given to the authenticating service (a remote server, application, or website) during registration, while the private key is kept on the user’s device (a PC, smartphone, external security token), and can only be accessed by providing a biometric signature or another authentication factor that isn’t based on knowledge.

Geo-location, network address and behavioural patterns and gestures can all be used with some designs, but only if no remembered passwords are required.

It’s easy to confuse passwordless authentication with Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), since both use a variety of authentication factors. However, while MFA is used as an additional layer of security on top of password-based authentication, it’s passwordless authentication doesn’t require a memorized secret and usually uses just one highly secure factor to authenticate identity, making it faster and simpler for users.

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Passwordless Authentication Improves User Experience

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You Don’t Need To Worry About Password Theft

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Passwordless Authentication Solutions Protect Against Brute-Force Attacks

Cyber Crime

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy $2.9 million every minute in 2020, with password-related attacks accounting for about 80 percent of all attacks. According to the World Economic Forum, knowledge-based authentication — whether through PINs, passwords, passphrases, or anything we need to remember – is not only a huge source of frustration for users, but it is also expensive to maintain. Furthermore, it is believed that password resets account for approximately half of all IT help desk expenditures for bigger firms, with the average annual spend for corporations now exceeding $1 million only for staffing.

Passwordless authentication

Passwordless Authentication avoids the problem of using insecure passwords by its very nature. Moreover, it provides advantages to both individuals and companies. As a result, users no longer have to remember or input passwords, resulting in a more positive user and customer experience overall. Businesses will benefit from the elimination of the need to retain passwords, resulting in improved security, fewer breaches, and reduced maintenance costs.

  • Pro – Improved user experience
  • Pro – Increased security
  • Pro – Reduced administration overheads

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