Passwordless authentication is a method of authenticating a user without asking them to submit a standard password. Instead, it relies on secondary authentication elements, which are usually more secure and convenient.
Biometrics (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition), one-time passwords (OTP) transmitted via email or SMS, hardware tokens, or public key cryptography are some common means of passwordless authentication.
Common Passwordless Authentication Methods
Biometric Authentication
This approach confirms a user’s identity by using unique biological attributes such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or iris scans. Because biometric data is difficult to copy, it is extremely secure.
One-Time Passwords (OTP)
When a user logs in, they are given a temporary code, which is often transmitted to their mobile device or email. These codes are only good for a limited time and can only be used once.
Security Keys
Security keys are physical hardware devices or built-in components in mobile devices that authenticate users using public-key cryptography. Phishing assaults are highly resistant to security keys.
Smart Cards
To get access, users put a physical smart card into a reader, which delivers the authentication credentials.
Mobile Device Authentication
Users receive a push notification on their mobile devices and are permitted access upon approval. This is frequently accomplished through the use of mobile apps or mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
Benefits of Passwordless Authentication
1. Enhanced Security
Passwords can be compromised using tactics such as brute force assaults, phishing, and password cracking. Passwordless solutions are often more secure since they do not rely on a piece of information that can be easily guessed or stolen.
2. Reduced Password-Related Risks
Passwords are frequently lost, reused across several accounts, or exchanged between users. Because there are no passwords to memorise, forget, or distribute, passwordless authentication lowers these dangers.
3. User Convenience
Passwordless authentication mechanisms are frequently more user-friendly. They remove the need to memorise complex passwords, resulting in a more fluid and user-friendly experience.
4. Phishing Resistance
Passwordless approaches can make it more difficult for attackers to carry out phishing attempts. Users do not type passwords that hostile actors can intercept.
5. Biometric Authentication
Many passwordless techniques utilise biometric data to validate a user’s identification, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Because biometrics are difficult to forge or steal, they improve authentication.
6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
To construct a powerful multi-factor authentication (MFA) system, passwordless authentication can be paired with other factors such as a device or a one-time code given to a trusted device.
7. Reduced Helpdesk Costs
Passwordless authentication reduces the possibility of users forgetting their passwords or being locked out of their accounts. This could reduce the number of password-related support requests received by helpdesk teams.
8. Compliance and Regulation
Passwordless authentication can help organizations achieve compliance requirements since it often gives a higher level of security and accountability.
9. Adaptability to Emerging Technologies
Passwordless authentication is easily adaptable to new and upcoming technologies such as hardware tokens or mobile authentication apps, allowing businesses to keep ahead of security concerns.
10. Improved User Experience
Organisations may deliver a smoother and more seamless user experience by eliminating the need for passwords, which can lead to better user satisfaction and engagement.
While passwordless authentication has numerous advantages, it is critical to implement it appropriately and take into account your organization’s specific demands and security requirements. A combination of multiple passwordless solutions may be the most effective approach depending on the use case.
Salesforce provides a Passwordless login process to support passwordless authentication. We can help businesses to implement Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Passwordless Email Authentication, Social Sign-In and Biometric Authentication for mobile apps.