There are many reasons why the best passwordless authentication solution must be a unified one. It is much more convenient for users to have a single sign-on (SSO) experience, rather than having to remember multiple sets of credentials. And it simplifies the IT infrastructure by reducing the need to manage multiple identity providers. Today, we’re going to look at passwordless authentication, unification, and what’s holding you back from digital transformation.

What is Passwordless Authentication?

Passwordless authentication is an emerging class of authentication solutions that don’t rely on passwords. Instead, they use other factors like a user’s device, biometrics, or behavioral analytics to verify their identity.

There are many advantages to passwordless authentication. It’s more secure than traditional password-based authentication because it eliminates the risk of things like password reuse and phishing. It’s also more convenient because users don’t have to remember multiple passwords or go through the hassle of resetting them every time they forget one.

However, not all passwordless authentication solutions are created equal. The best passwordless authentication solution is one that is unified, meaning it has the ability to work across various platforms and devices, rather than forcing users to carry around multiple ways to authenticate their different devices.

The Major Examples of Passwordless Authentication

There are two major types of passwordless authentication: device-based and behavioral.

Device-based passwordless authentication uses the user’s physical device as a factor in verifying their identity. The most common form of this that people will be familiar with is two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires the user to have both their password and a second factor, like a code generated by an app on their phone, to log in.

However, this variant would not be “passwordless,” as it uses a password. The passwordless variant, which is becoming more common, would be opening an app on a trusted device and entering a code to access an app on a different device – for instance, signing into an app on your smartphone to log in to your account on your new smart TV.

Behavioral passwordless authentication uses the user’s behavior as a factor in verifying their identity. The most common form of this is using a behavioral analytics platform to identify anomalies in the way the user is attempting to log in. For example, if the user’s login attempt is coming from an unusual location or device, the authentication platform can flag it as suspicious and require additional verification.

There are several other types of passwordless authentication, though they aren’t as ubiquitous. For instance, phones that use facial ID or fingerprints to unlock are using biometric scanning. A key fob to access a server room or USB dongle that must be plugged in to a PC to access a network are both examples of physical passwordless authentication.

Why the Best Passwordless Authentication Must Be Unified

Different devices and applications have different requirements for authentication. For example, a mobile app might require 2FA, while a desktop application might be able to get by with just behavioral authentication. The risk, however, is that when different passwordless solutions are all adopted together, users may grow weary and seek workarounds. A business that uses different passwordless tools for its security may think it’s being more secure, but in reality, it might be undermining its own security by making things frustrating for employees.

A unified passwordless authentication solution should be able to work with any type of device or application, making it the most versatile and convenient option for users. It’s true of any password system: the easier it is to use, the less users will seek to undermine it or work around it.

Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication method that allows users to log in to multiple applications with one set of credentials. SSO is often used in enterprise settings, where employees need to access a variety of applications for their job.

There are many advantages to using SSO for passwordless authentication. First, it’s more convenient for users, who only have to remember one set of credentials. Second, it’s more secure, because each application is authenticated using the same set of credentials. Finally, it’s easier to manage, because there is only one set of credentials to manage and update.

Passwordless Technology and Zero Trust

Of course, passwordless authentication is also more than just technology; it requires a unified front and a unified philosophy. That unified philosophy is zero trust (or in some scenarios, least privilege).

Zero trust is a security model that assumes that all users, devices, and applications are untrusted until they are proven otherwise. This is in contrast to the traditional security model, which assumes that all users, devices, and applications are trusted until they are proven otherwise.

The advantage of the zero-trust model is that it is more secure, because it eliminates the need to trust any single entity. The disadvantage is that it can be more difficult to implement, because it requires a higher level of security awareness and vigilance. Many companies find that least privilege is a good steppingstone toward zero trust.

What’s Holding You Back from Passwordless Authentication?

Passwordless authentication is the future of security, but it’s not without its challenges. The biggest challenge is that it requires a unified front, from both a technological and philosophical standpoint.

If you’re unsure where to start, the best thing to do is start small. Implement passwordless authentication for one application or one type of device. Once your employees have acclimated, you can roll your solution out to your other applications.

Ultimately, passwordless authentication is held back by the same issues that holds most digital transformation back. When companies are busy putting out fires, they don’t have the time to create new initiatives. But passwordless authentication is extremely important because companies now hold and manage a tremendous amount of critical data.

The Advantages of Working with Passwordless Authentication Companies

A specialist identity and access management company will provide you with the technology and expertise you need to implement passwordless authentication. They can help you develop a zero-trust security strategy, provide support, support your implementation, and be a valuable partner in your journey to digital transformation.

When it comes to security, many companies just don’t know where to start. They don’t have the internal expertise, and they don’t want to risk making a mistake. That’s where working with an experienced passwordless authentication company comes in. They can help you assess your risks, develop a strategy, and implement a solution that will meet your needs.

There are many passwordless authentication companies to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. Be sure to do your research and select a company that has a proven track record of success.

True Passwordless Solutions by Axiad

Axiad is a leading orchestrator of unified passwordless solutions. Our mission is to help our clients make the most out of their MFA, 2FA, and passwordless solutions with everything from strategy and consulting to implementation and support. Our mission is to help our clients secure their digital transformation journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your security journey, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our passwordless authentication orchestration. We can help you assess your risks, develop a strategy, and implement a solution that will meet your needs.