What is Passwordless Authentication?

Passwordless Authentication is a type of authentication that allows a user to get access to an application or information technology system without the need to input a password or answer security questions on the application or system.

It’s a process in which the identity of a software user authorized by anything other than their password, this then allows users’ identities to be recognized without the need for passwords or any other kind of secret information, which is very convenient.

What forms of Passwordless Authentication solutions are there?

A fingerprint, proximity badge, or hardware token code are all acceptable forms of alternative proof provided by the user. To improve the user experience while also strengthening security, passwordless authentication is frequently used in conjunction with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On solutions, as well as to decrease IT operations expenditure and complexity.

In order to do their tasks, today’s digital employees rely on a diverse range of applications. Users are compelled to learn and keep track of a bewildering assortment of passwords that change on a regular basis. Overwhelmed by the amount of passwords they have to remember, many users resort to hazardous shortcuts such as using the same password for all of their accounts, using weak passwords, repeating passwords, and putting passwords on sticky notes.

Poor password management procedures can be used by malicious actors in order to launch cyberattacks and steal private information. The truth is that compromised account credentials are the most common source of data breaches.

What’s SSO and 2FA?

Passwordless Authentication is usually used in conjunction with Single Sign-On referred to as SSO, so that an employee may use the same proximity badge, security token, or mobile app to access all of their business apps and services without having to remember their password. When used in conjunction with a Multi-Factor Authentication solution see also 2FA, where users are required to submit several forms of identification before gaining access to business applications and systems, passwordless authentication is a popular choice.

What is WebAuthN and FIO?

Web Authentication API/WebAuthN and Fast Identity Online (FIO) are two new standards that have been developed in recent years. It’s feasible to verify a user’s identity without having them to submit a password. Using more secure ways as an alternative to passwords might be a good choice.

Biometrics use in Passwordless Authentication

This method of verifying a user that does not need the user submitting any kind of personally identifiable information. Instead than depending on a password to get access, users may choose to use biometrics or another sort of alternative authentication to gain access to resources.

The fingerprint is the most often utilized physical characteristic in Biometric passwordless authentication since it employs features of our physical self to access files, computers, and gadgets. Statistics show that the biometrics authentication market has been constantly increasing in size.

Consider the following scenario: in order to access a mobile phone app, a remote user may be needed to tap a finger print sensor and enter a one-time, short-lived SMS code that has been delivered to their phone.

How does going Passwordless help companies and their staff?

Passwordless Authentication eliminates hazardous password management methods and reduces attack vectors, Passwordless Authentication helps to improve overall security. It also enhances the user experience by removing the need to remember passwords and secrets. There are no passwords to learn and no security question answers to remember while using Passwordless Authentication.