The common belief is that using passwords will help protect information and data. Therefore, they are favored by many business services and individuals that are security conscious. This knowledge has contributed to the increasing number of individuals and organizations who restrict access to their systems using passwords.
However, technology giants like Bill Gates, Google, and IBM disputed the belief that passwords are suitable security measures. They maintain that passwords create many vulnerabilities in the system and issues with users’ experience.
The vulnerability of password use stems from the fact that many employees or individuals must undergo rigorous processes to ensure password management. In most cases, employees lack the patience to master these practices. The parameters for password management are stringent measures that can cause password fatigue.
This is why it is common to see employees use the same password for various applications or even use weak passwords. These unsafe practices enable cybercriminals to exploit employees’ laxity and steal confidential information. To mitigate this problem, a passwordless security solution was introduced as a cybersecurity program to reduce exploitation from cybercriminals.
Nearly two-thirds of people use the same password for multiple accounts.
Passwordless logins are efficient in keeping organizations safe and secure, as cybercriminals will find it challenging to acquire login credentials that give them access to a system. The organization’s security posture is strengthened as long as criminals cannot assess any technology that can be exploited.
Here, we’ll discuss in detail; the definition of passwordless logins, how you can use them, and why many organizations are using them.
What Are Passwordless Logins?
Passwordless logins, also known as passwordless authentication, are a method of verifying a user’s identity without the aid of a password. This means that users can be verified using alternative methods like a biometric trait, physical security key, one-time passwords (OTP), or a secondary device.
As the name implies, going passwordless means removing the use of passwords from the login process to curtail friction and cybersecurity risk and provide a long-lasting user experience. Users can access any IT system without inputting passwords or answering security questions with a passwordless login.
Passwordless logins are also essential in the commercial and industrial environment.
How To Use Passwordless Logins
Passwordless logins help conceal users’ privacy because they use strong authentication. Thus, they are most suitable for systems that have cryptographic keys.
A key pair is standard with passwordless logins. In this type of login, the user generates a key after registering an account for the first time. This key is a private key and is entirely the possession of the user. The second key is a public key that can be in the custody of anyone.
However, public and private keys are required whenever the user wants to access the system. To this effect, anytime a user wants to access the system, such a person must pass through critical challenges, including fingerprint or face scan. As soon as the system recognizes the private key, it pairs with the service provider’s public key.
Thus, three factors must be present for passwordless logins. They are something in possession of the user, the user’s knowledge, and lastly, something that defines the user. These can include a mobile device with an app, a challenge question, and biometrics.
Why We Should Use Them
Passwordless logins are beneficial to users for several reasons. However, the benefits organizations derive from dropping passwords depend on their needs. Some of the importance of passwordless logins are:
A better user experience
Compared to the use of passwords, passwordless logins are better and easier to use. Thus, users will not worry about generating and remembering passwords for their different applications. Also, providing user experience can give your organization an edge over others. This can be an ideal competitive advantage that sets you apart from your competitors.
Users will no longer feel compelled to create a database to save their passwords to prevent an unpleasant situation of forgetting passwords.
Improves security
While hackers can quickly gain access to passwords, they can’t get a hold of users’ biometrics. Hackers will not be able to steal biometrics and manipulate these for their selfish gains.
The biometric data is readily available on the user’s device and uses cryptographic keys that hackers cannot access.
It creates ease in managing elements.
The complexity of managing a password-based account irks IT departments. As security continues to evolve by the day, companies have difficulty managing the identities of their employee and client base. This is a tedious process that creates a complicated authentication system.
With passwordless systems, regulatory systems are easier to manage, and little effort is concentrated on achieving better results.
Solve Your Password Problem With Ease
Passwordless login is relatively new but slowly gaining ground because of the secure options it provides. It also provides a more efficient user experience, mitigating the need to go through time-consuming password resets.
Quantum Technologies can help your organization achieve passwordless login quickly. To get started, email or call us at (920) 256 -1214.
