Passwordless authentication is changing the cybersecurity landscape for the better. If your company or organization uses traditional passwords to access your systems and resources, it is time to rethink your processes. 

From remembering multiple logins to recovering forgotten credentials, passwords can be a headache. Your team’s passwords could put your private data at risk and slow down your operations. 

We are sharing what to know about passwordless authentication and its many benefits.

What Is Passwordless Authentication?

As the name suggests, passwordless authentication methods verify users without a traditional password made up of letters, numbers or symbols.

People generally have between 70 and 80 passwords; to keep track of and ensure they are strong enough to protect their accounts against cybercriminals. Passwordless authentication helps combat attackers looking to gain access to sensitive information through techniques such as:

  • Phishing
  • Keylogging
  • Credential stuffing 

Passwordless Authentication Methods

Here are some of the different passwordless authentication methods.

  • Biometrics: This type of authentication involves capturing biometric data using advanced scanners and sensors. Some common biometrics include fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scanning and voice recognition.
  • Hardware token: Hardware tokens use a small, usually USB-compatible device to create a physical connection to the computer. Users can also use a fob that generates a new passcode whenever they hit the button.
  • Software token: This method sends a one-time smartphone or computer code people can enter to gain access.
  • Magic links: A magic link sends a single-use URL over email or text. When the user opens the link, an authentication application pairs the device with a database token.

Challenges of Passwordless Authentication

While passwordless authentication is highly beneficial for businesses and organizations looking to enhance security, it can be challenging to adopt.

  • Deployment: Transitioning to passwordless authentication takes time and energy. The deployment process can be tricky when working with your existing systems and platforms. Organizations will also have to factor in the time and costs of setting up this type of authentication.
  • Skepticism: Stakeholders and users may have preconceived notions about passwordless authentication. They may worry that new authentication methods will compromise security and slow your daily operations.
  • Training: Whenever an organization adopts new technology, proper training and education are a must-have for seamless integration. When implementing passwordless authentication methods, getting the entire team on the same page can be challenging. </span >Everyone must understand how to work with the new authentication system and why it is valuable for your organization’s overall cybersecurity measures.
  • Access limitations: One of the most significant challenges of working with passwordless authentication is a possible lack of access. For instance, if your organization uses software tokens sent to a mobile device, anyone without a smartphone will be at a loss.

Benefits of Passwordless Authentication

Is passwordless authentication safe? The answer is yes. And there are many advantages to choosing one of these methods. 

Explore the following advantages of using passwordless authentication.

Enhanced Cybersecurity

cybercriminals look to attack on week passwords

Repeated, weak and misplaced passwords can be detrimental to your bottom line. You can effectively enhance cybersecurity by implementing passwordless authentication. Cybercriminals are increasingly looking to capitalize on weak passwords with methods like phishing and brute-force attacks.

Eliminating passwords helps businesses combat credential-related cyberattacks before they occur. Your confidential and sensitive information will be more secure if there are no username-password pairings for criminals to steal.

Passwordless authentication allows you to enjoy improved security posture.

Better User Experiences

When your team is not sorting through and trying to recall various passwords to log into mission-critical resources, they can enjoy better user experiences. 

Passwordless authentication simplifies operations and allows your team to forgo the responsibility of managing and memorizing their passwords. A more convenient login experience means people can spend less time trying to log in and more time focused on productive tasks. 

A seamless user experience with passwordless authentication means better attitudes and easier access to information.

Lower Long-Term Costs

In addition to improving login experiences for your team, passwordless authentication can lower your organization’s long-term costs.

A shocking 83% of companies will experience a data breach at some point during their operations, and the average U.S. data breach costs more than $9 million. 

Compromised credentials can be one of a cyberattack’s costliness and most devastating results. By forgoing passwords, you can enhance your cybersecurity and ultimately save future costs. 

How Can You Transition to Passwordless Authentication?

A strategic and thoughtful approach to passwordless authentication is vital to successfully transition from your business’ or organization’s current processes. Introducing the change in multiple phases can help your team familiarize themselves with passwordless systems and harness them effectively. 

Begin by analyzing all the elements that currently require passwords. Making a list of the devices people use and the sites and resources they log into is an excellent starting point to understand the transition’s scope. 

Once you understand where your team uses passwords, you can explore which passwordless authentication method will be best for your organization. In most cases, you should choose a method that provides at least two-factor authentication. 

After picking your authentication technique, you must then acquire the necessary hardware or software. Finally, you can start registering people to your authentication system. 

Working with an expert can be highly advantageous if you are transitioning to passwordless authentication. They can help your organization set up and seamlessly integrate the new systems. 

Browse Custom Identity Management Solutions From Optimal IdM

A robust identity solution for your company or organization can protect your sensitive, private information. If you want to add security and efficiency to your business with passwordless authentication, turn to Optimal IdM. Our custom solutions will protect and streamline your operations. 

We offer comprehensive identity and access management. We want to help your business or organization thrive by mitigating security risks and simplifying your environment. 

Are you interested in getting started? Browse identity access management products from Optimal IdM, or contact us for more information today!

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