As a business owner or manager, you probably are thinking that password-based systems are perfect for securing your business and customers. But what if we told you they are among the most vulnerable forms of security you can ever implement in a business setting?
Don’t believe it? Well then, you’ve heard about company systems being hacked countless times. While not all of these cases are connected to compromised passwords, the majority are. In truth, four out of five security breaches are somehow related to passwords. Fortunately, passwordless authentication can save the day for you.
Stick around to find out what it is and how it can enhance security in your business.
So, What’s the Problem With Passwords?
First off, let’s set the record straight: Yes, we are against password-based logins, but that doesn’t mean they offer zero protection against attacks. It’s the issues tied to them we have a problem with. Such downsides include, but aren’t limited to:
- Increased security risks like phishing attacks, keylogging, credential stuffing, and data breaches.
- Higher vulnerability than passwordless authentication.
- Usage complexity, making them less ideal for a good user experience.
- Susceptibility to password fatigue, so users opt for shorter, weak combinations and repeat passwords across different platforms.
Now, combine such weaknesses with other security issues like insufficient user identity data verification and validation and you end up with serious security risks. You don’t want it to get to that point. That’s why you should merge passwordless authentication with high-quality personal data verification services like the ones you get with Trestle Identity Solutions for maximum security.
Understanding Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a type of user identity verification that eliminates the need for traditional passwords. Rather than relying on a user’s memory or password managers for successful authentication, these methods use alternative methods like biometrics, PKI infrastructure, MFA devices, and others to identify users.
Some of the most common types of passwordless authentication include:
- Passkeys
- Hardware keys
- One-Time Passcodes
- Push Notifications
- Login on demand
- Biometric authentication (fingerprints and facial recognition)
- And others.
The main aim of passwordless authentication is to solve the password problem by providing an easier, yet more secure way to log in. Users don’t have to memorise complex combinations anymore.
How Does Passwordless Authentication Enhance Security?
If you’re looking to boost overall security for your business, here’s why passwordless authentication is a good idea:
1. It Uses Stronger Identification Methods
Passwords are easy to crack if the attackers are cunning enough and know how to trick users into submitting information they shouldn’t. On the other hand, passwordless authentication methods like biometrics, cryptographic keys, hardware tokens, and others are almost impossible to acquire, unless a cybercriminal uses very sophisticated techniques, and most attackers don’t work that hard.
2. No Password to Steal
Passwordless authentication is off-putting to cyber attackers because it doesn’t require passwords or other information that a user needs to gain access to an account or system. This means techniques like phishing or keylogging that such attackers are fond of won’t work here.
3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Closes All Gaps
Even if attackers figured out how to obtain your fingerprint for phase 1 of the verification process, the more secure systems would be using additional authentication solutions like 2FA. This makes it outright impossible for an attacker to pass this phase of verification unless they have access to the hardware you’re using, such as your smartphone.
4. Users are More Aware
Successful attacks on password-based systems depend on a certain amount of information that users are tricked into providing through methods like phishing and spoofing.
It’s often a slow and calm, yet highly precise process so that most users don’t even have any idea how they shared overly sensitive information with the attackers.
That wouldn’t be the case with passwordless authentication, since it requires direct physical input from the user.
Keep The Attackers Out With the Right Solutions
Cyber attacks are the last thing you want to deal with in business. Not only do they come with costly repercussions and affect your daily operations, but they can lead to total failure if your customers lose trust. Luckily, passwordless authentication promotes the overall security of your business by a huge margin, but there’s also identity data verification that helps you ensure that customers and other parties are who they claim to be. This is crucial in tackling attacks related to phishing and spoofing.
By implementing the data verification solutions that top providers like Trestle offer even as you employ passwordless authentication, you can deal with cyberattacks at the earliest point. So, visit trestleiq.com to see the solutions they have and learn more about how they can help you identify attackers.
