THE MODERN WAY TO LOGIN
Passwords and shared secrets are a major cause of security breaches. Despite millions of dollars invested in authentication, users still rely on passwords to log in daily.
Cybercriminals are no longer cracking your passwords; they are exploiting millions of previously obtained credentials against your users. These malevolent actors search for accounts that repurpose the same secret codes across websites. Due to this password reuse, large-scale strikes, such as credential stuffing and password spraying, constitute a significant proportion of website traffic. Unfortunately, despite millions of dollars invested in multi-factor authentication, most companies still rely on password protection, which hackers find to be the simplest mechanism to distort.
When it comes to security, passwords have always been a weak link, and there are several reasons why. Let's break it down:
- Human nature: We're all guilty of creating passwords that are easy to remember, like our names, our pet's name, or birthdays. But as it turns out, these simple passwords are also easy to crack for attackers.
- Password reuse: We know we shouldn't, but most of us use the same password for multiple accounts. And when one of those accounts gets compromised, well, you know the re
- Social engineering: Hackers have found ways to exploit our trust, by sending us phishing emails or impersonating someone we know. It's easy to fall for their tricks, and before you know it, your password is out in the open.
- Brute force and dictionary attacks: With the help of automated software, hackers can crack most passwords in minutes. So if your password is "password," you might want to reconsider.
- Password storage: Writing down your password on a sticky note? Saving it in a plain text file? Just don't. If someone gets their hands on that note or file, your password is as good as gone.
- Password recovery and reset mechanisms: Those security questions and email verifications are there for a reason, but they can also be exploited by hackers who already have access to some of your personal info.
- Advancements in technology: As computers get more powerful, it's no surprise that hackers can now crack passwords faster than ever. They can use precalculated tables or specialized hardware to break even the strongest passwords.
What is Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a login method that allows a person or a device to access a computer system or online service without having to enter a password or remember a secret.
Passwordless authentication replaces passwords with a user's smartphone, Security Key, or computer to access online and local services.
How Does Passwordless Authentication Works?
Passwordless authentication is a rapidly growing trend in the cybersecurity industry. Despite its rapid pace, it can be challenging to grasp the subject. This area contains several complex and nuanced concepts that can be unclear to both industry experts and beginners alike.
True Passwordless Security allows the user to securely store their credentials on their Security Key or Trusted Smartphone, keeping sensitive data safe. By using Public Key Cryptography and open standards like FIDO2, Passwordless Authentication eliminates the need for passwords and shared secrets, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks.
What advantages does Passwordless Security provide?
- Eliminate password reuse, phishing, and credential reuse attacks
- Passwordless authentication is more secure and faster, boosting workforce productivity by up to 300%
- Save thousands of helpdesk and service hours by reducing password-related costs and frustration
- Enhanced user experience leads to increased adoption and reduces cart and checkout abandonment
- Eliminate customer account takeover fraud by up to 99% by eliminating password reuse
- Improve workforce productivity by eliminating legacy MFA and long, complex passwords that waste valuable time
