Passwordless Authentication: Secure Way To Access Your Accounts
It is a method of confirming the user’s identity without a password. This technology does not require the use of long passwords. To unlock the phone or access any app, the user merely needs to gaze at the camera.
Besides, passwords are often not strong. Compared to other methods, they can be easily stolen or detected. Individuals also maintain different passwords for various applications. However, the need to remember numerous passwords can disrupt everything. In this context, robust passwordless authentication is both faster and simpler. Many cyberattacks can aim at passwords. Unlike other security levels, it can easily expose private information.
Traditional VS Passwordless Authentication
Traditional authentication methods require passwords and PINs that are used to gain access. These passwords are weak and can be easily forgotten by the users. It has several security risks associated with it such as brute-force attacks, phishing, and others. Sometimes, passwords need additional management and the companies should enforce policies to resolve these issues.
On the other hand, let’s understand what is passwordless authentication. It doesn’t need any PIN and password instead it uses other verification methods like biometrics, OTP, magic links, and others. This method is more secure as it mitigates the risks associated with passwords. In this process, no one can steal the key to authentication as it requires a unique code to get verified.
Advantages of Passwordless Authentication
This approach is safer and more genuine than the alternatives. It offers an additional level of protection for the systems and devices. It is impossible to steal verifications like fingerprints, face authentication, and iris scans.
Additionally, users find passwordless authentication solutions more convenient. Because they are faster and safer than the others. Furthermore, it can be observed that no one can take such verification credentials without the rightful user’s consent when these methods are employed.
In addition, numerous organizations are choosing these verification methods due to the high costs associated with resetting and addressing security breaches.
Types of Passwordless Authentication
Apart from passwords, there are several other authentication methods, including fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. The types mentioned below are regarded as safer and more authentic:
- Biometric Authentication
Three types of physical biometric authentications include fingerprints, facial authentication or password face authentication, and iris scans. In fingerprints, these are analyzed to create a specific digital code, which is then compared with existing datasets to identify users. In the case of facial recognition, different facial characteristics are assessed and this data is also transformed into a code that is matched against the database. In regard to iris scans, there are distinct patterns of the iris that vary from one individual to another. These patterns are subsequently scrutinized and allow for the quick identification of the user.
- One-Time Password
Every time the user logs in, this password is sent to him. This is a unique password that varies from the previous one each time. The code is dispatched to the user’s number, and by utilizing this code, the user can gain access to the specific premise. In addition, the short validity period of the code increases the device’s security.
- Magic Links
This method is effective when the user accesses their account, with the system sending a magic link to the specified email. Clicking this link takes the user straight to their account, which is much faster than password entry.
- Smart Cards
The cards feature a chip that holds user data. When inserted into a card reader, it instantly grants system access.
- Push Alerting
This operates when a user attempts to log in to their account, a notification is sent to confirm if the legitimate owner is logging in. Accepting this will direct the user to their account.
Conclusion
After looking into various benefits, liveness detection has proved to be a better verification method than securing the system with passwords. Awareness should be raised to educate people about its benefits and how to use it. Security without a password is quicker and safer for all individuals. It reduces the risk of phishing attacks, impersonation, credential stuffing, and more. Despite some technical challenges, people are opting for liveness detection because it is widely used across various organizations, systems, and enterprises. It is secure because it requires unique traits to be verified—traits that cannot be stolen or imitated by anyone.
