Using passwordless authentication boosts security and is more convenient than password-based authentication.
Sergio Vergara
Sergio Vergara
May 30, 2023 — 6 minutes reading time
Passwordless Authentication: Authentication without password
Photo by regularguy.eth on Unsplash
Password-based authentication systems are vulnerable to attacks, such as brute-force attacks that constantly try different passwords. To prevent these problems, users often need to change their passwords and use effective a complete list of unit mobile numbers list strong passwords. Many users may find this inconvenient, as it is not easy to create strong passwords and at the same time remember them.
According to NIST , changing passwords frequently is no longer recommended. The passwords that users choose are usually related to their previous passwords and those that are easy to remember, so they are mostly weak and less secure.
As a developer, you need to provide a secure account verification architecture to avoid inconveniences and security risks. That's where passwordless authentication comes in.
Passwordless authentication is any method of identity verification that does not use a password. Let's see what the approach to passwordless authentication is.
What is passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication is a more convenient way to log in. It is a verification method that allows users to access applications, systems, and networks without a password. Businesses and individuals switching to passwordless authentication is a digital transformation. Thanks to passwordless authentication, passwords are no longer dispensable.
Passwordless authentication does not require any particular technology or procedure to verify a user's identity. It is more of a goal achieved by employing various strategies or solutions. Passwordless authentication is frequently used with biometrics, authenticator apps, one-time passcodes (OTP) transmitted via email or SMS, etc. Passwordless authentication solutions ensure a seamless user experience, improve data security, and reduce the costs and complexity of IT operations.
Passwordless Security
Passwordless authentication is more secure than password-based authentication. Secure, in this case, means that the authentication method is less prone to attacks. Still, passwordless authentication methods can be vulnerable in one way or another and are therefore not 100% secure. There may not be an obvious way to attack them, but there is a chance in the future to find a way to bypass security measures, given enough time and effort.