When discussing online safety, two concepts are consistently highlighted: cyberthreats, such as phishing scams, viruses, and malware, and poor password hygiene.
For companies worldwide, password security remains a major concern, and one of the most significant challenges is encouraging employees to use stronger and more secure passwords. According to the Verizon 2022 Data Breach Investigation Report, the human element continues to be a driving factor behind data breaches. Whether it involves the use of stolen credentials, phishing attempts, or simple errors, people continue to play a significant role in incidents and breaches. This is precisely why passwordless authentication has been gaining traction since the mid-2000s.
Two Factor Authentication and Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the early advancements in passwordless authentication was the introduction of two-factor authentication. 2FA combines something the user knows (password) with something the user possesses (e.g., a one-time passcode sent via SMS or generated by an authentication app). 2FA was widely adopted in the mid-2000s, with the use of SMS-based one-time passcodes becoming popular around 2005.
As the need for stronger authentication grew, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) emerged as an evolution of 2FA. MFA provides an added layer of security by requiring multiple factors for authentication, making it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access. It helps mitigate the risks associated with compromised passwords or stolen credentials.
Biometric Authentication
Ever since Apple added Touch ID (fingerprint recognition) to the iPhone 5s back in 2013, biometric authentication has become a thing for everyday devices. Nowadays, lots of people use stuff like fingerprint and facial recognition to unlock their phones or apps. It’s way easier and more secure because it relies on your unique physical or behavioral traits, making it hard for anyone to copy.
Hardware Tokens
If a company is serious about top-notch security, they might opt for hardware tokens to enable passwordless authentication. These nifty gadgets offer an extra layer of protection and are built to withstand phishing attacks and credential theft. The beauty of hardware tokens lies in their ability to generate unique passcodes or signatures for every authentication session, making it incredibly difficult for malicious actors to crack.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) has a rich history, dating back to the 1980s. It’s a robust cryptographic framework that ensures secure communication and authentication. With PKI, users are equipped with a unique public and private key pair, and authentication takes place through the exchange of digital certificates. This advanced approach eliminates the reliance on passwords, providing a highly secure and efficient method of verification.
FIDO Alliance Standards
The Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance was established in 2012 as an industry consortium with a clear focus on developing open standards for passwordless authentication. Their aim is to enhance security while eliminating the need for passwords. FIDO U2F gained attention and adoption around 2014, promoting the use of public key cryptography and biometrics for robust and passwordless authentication across various devices and platforms. Subsequently, in 2018, FIDO2 was introduced, encompassing WebAuthn. This evolution continues to simplify and strengthen authentication methods for businesses, prioritizing convenience and security.
Is a passwordless future possible right now?
As we all know, many passwordless authentication methods are readily available for the apps, websites, and devices we use on a daily basis. When you sign into a website or app on your phone, it’s highly likely that you already have two-factor authentication (2FA) set up automatically. Biometric functions, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, are also commonly used nowadays to unlock devices and secure important applications.
In line with the advancement towards a passwordless future, Google announced in May 2023 the introduction of a new login feature in its services: the use of passkeys. With the use of passkeys, users can sign in to apps and websites using biometric sensors (such as fingerprints or facial recognition), PINs, or patterns. This new feature will eliminate the burden of remembering and managing passwords, offering a convenient and secure authentication method.
Nevertheless, transitioning to a passwordless approach still comes with challenges. One of the foremost challenges is user reluctance. The use of passwords has been ingrained in users’ habits for a long time, and passwordless authentication is still uncharted territory for many. Despite the advancements, convenience, and security that passwordless authentication brings, a majority of users tend to prefer what is familiar and convenient to them. That is why developing a passwordless mindset is necessary.
To embrace a passwordless future, it’s important to let users ease into it and get comfortable with the idea. Forcing passwordless authentication might not yield the best outcome. Instead, give users a chance to dip their toes in the water, try it out, and get used to the new system. This approach will help pave the path towards a passwordless future while ensuring users are on board with the change.
