Passwords have long been the bane of security teams and users alike. We all know we should use long, complex passwords and unique ones for every account. But password fatigue leads to risky habits like reuse, which opens the door to credential theft, account takeovers, and data breaches.
Fortunately, the tide is shifting away from reliance on cumbersome passwords. Passwordless authentication provides a more secure and convenient login experience for users by removing the password from the equation entirely.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the growing array of passwordless solutions and how they deliver robust security without friction.
What is Passwordless Authentication?
Passwordless authentication uses credentials beyond a textual password to verify a user‘s identity and grant access to an account or device.
Rather than typing a password, users authenticate through factors like:
- Biometrics: Fingerprint, face, or iris scanning
- Security keys: FIDO devices that confirm user presence
- One-time codes: Sent via email, SMS, or authenticator apps
- QR codes: Scanned to initiate login sequences
- Push notifications: Approve login requests on mobile devices
The key advantage of these passwordless mechanisms is that there are no vulnerable passwords for attackers to steal or reuse across other sites. That eliminates major threats like credential stuffing, phishing, and brute force attacks in one fell swoop.
Meanwhile, users enjoy faster, easier logins without needing to dream up and remember complex passwords for every application.
Types of Passwordless Authentication
Many solutions fall under the broad umbrella of "passwordless authentication" but take different technical approaches. Let‘s break down some major types:
Biometric Authentication
Biometric passwordless solutions rely on unique biological traits like fingerprints and facial geometry to verify the user‘s identity. They leverage built-in sensors available on smartphones, laptops and advanced security keys to capture the biometric data.
To prevent spoofing attacks, presentation attack detection (PAD) capabilities are necessary to validate that the biometric data comes from a live subject rather than say a photograph.
Benefits
- Nothing for user to remember or type
- Utilizes ubiquitous mobile biometrics sensors like Touch ID
- Familiar user experience
Drawbacks
- Requires compatible hardware/sensors
- Privacy concerns around biometric data storage
FIDO Standards and Security Keys
The FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance has established open standards that enable passwordless authentication using either platform authenticators or external security keys.
Platform authenticators include built-in biometrics (like Windows Hello and Apple Face ID) that users can leverage if their devices support it.
Standalone FIDO Security Keys are physical authenticator devices such as those from Yubico, Google, and Feitian that connect via USB, NFC, or Bluetooth. The user presses a button on the device during login to prove presence and approve access.
Benefits
- Leverages asymmetric cryptography without passwords
- Resilient against common threats like phishing
- Support for multiple authenticators per account
Drawbacks
- Requires compatible client platforms/browsers
- Extra hardware for security keys
Push Authentication via Mobile Apps
With push authentication, the login request generates a prompt (push notification) sent to an app on the user‘s smartphone or tablet. The user simply taps "Approve" in the app to confirm sign-in.
Companies like Microsoft, Google, Twitter and Slack have adopted this passwordless approach for their own single sign-on (SSO) solutions.
And many multi-factor authentication (MFA) providers offer similar app push approvals as an authentication option along with OTP codes.
Benefits
- No passwords or one-time codes to manage
- Simple approval tap for users
- Leverages mobile device user already has
Drawbacks
- Requires installing an extra app
- Dependent on receiving push notifications
OTP Codes via Email and SMS
One-time password (OTP) solutions deliver single-use login codes to users via email or text message. Users enter the code provided to complete authentication and gain access.
While strictly speaking OTPs are not passwordless, they avoid long-term use of static passwords. Solutions from Authy, Duo Security, Microsoft Authenticator and others support OTP generation.
Benefits
- No static passwords vulnerable to replay attacks
- Email and mobile numbers easy to input
- Users don‘t have to install authenticator apps
Drawbacks
- Requires access to inbox or mobile device when codes sent
- Limited use cases
QR Code Authentication
QR code authentication flows display a scannable barcode during login. Users approve access by scanning the QR code with an authentication app on their mobile device rather than entering any text password or OTP.
The QR code kicks off the authentication sequence with the app able to request push approvals, biometrics confirmation or security key tap for example.
Benefits
- Easy visual code scan to initiate login
- Allows complex cryptographic authentication flows underneath
Drawbacks
- Requires authentication app to scan code
- Limited browser support
Magic Link-based Authentication
Magic link solutions take an email-first approach to login by having services send the user a unique login link. Clicking the unpredictable link signs the user into that service instantly without any password needed.
Companies like Okta, Microsoft, and Auth0 incorporate email magic links as a passwordless option. And services like Magic Link and Transmit Security focus specifically on enterprise magic link delivery at scale.
Benefits
- No password creation or management
- Users already familiar with email activation links
- Easy to deploy and use
Drawbacks
- Requires access to email inbox to receive login link
- Potential for phishing without sender validation
This roster gives a sense of the breadth of modern passwordless authentication techniques available. Organizations can choose the approach that makes the most sense given their users, infrastructure, and security priorities.
Now let‘s dig deeper into leading platforms enabling passwordless.
Top Passwordless Authentication Providers
Many identity providers and access management platforms now incorporate some forms of passwordless authentication amid growing demand. Here we feature a few top solutions worth considering to replace passwords.
Okta
Okta delivers unified identity management including adaptive single sign-on, multifactor authentication, and lifecycle management capabilities.
The platform focuses on centralizing identity for workforce users to streamline secure access across cloud apps and tools. But Okta also secured consumer identities for over 150 enterprise customers to support CIAM (consumer identity and access management) use cases.
For passwordless authentication, Okta supports:
- Security Keys – FIDO2/WebAuthn compatible keys from Yubico, Google Titan, and Feitian for tap-to-approve MFA
- SMS OTP – One-time passcodes delivered directly to users‘ mobile phones
- Push Notifications – Approve sign-in requests via the Okta mobile app
- Magic Link via Email – Users can sign-in through unique links sent to their inbox
These options provide multiple passwordless paths while still supporting legacy password usage when needed.
Okta also enforces adaptive authentication policies to step up identity proofing based on risk levels for added account security. The service integrates broadly across cloud platforms and can capture rich context about access attempts.
Microsoft Azure Active Directory
Azure AD operates as Microsoft‘s cloud-based identity and access management solution, used by over 14,000 organizations globally.
For passwordless authentication, Microsoft provides multiple options to its enterprise and SMB customers:
- FIDO2 Security Keys – Sign in using external security keys via WebAuthn
- Windows Hello – Leverage Windows 10 biometrics and PIN for system login
- Microsoft Authenticator App – Approve sign-in requests via mobile app push alerts
- SMS and Email OTP – Deliver one-time passcodes to other devices
- Magic Link via Email – Grant access through a unique login link
Azure AD premium editions provide the full breadth of passwordless methods, combined with identity analytics/machine learning to combat threats.
Given Microsoft‘s expansive reach, they aim to provide a passwordless fabric spanning the enterprise, consumer, and device boundary. Initiatives like passwordless FIDO logins to Azure AD joined devices, and passwordless account creation for consumers underscore that ambitious vision.
Auth0
Auth0 delivers an identity platform tailored for developers responsible for building secure authentication flows into modern applications.
The company gets categorized more as a CIAM (Consumer IAM) tool but supports employee and B2E use cases as well given its flexibility.
Auth0 incorporates multiple passwordless authentication options like:
- Magic Link via Email – Send users an email with embedded one-time token for instant login
- SMS OTP Authentication – Generate codes sent via text message
- Biometric Authentication – Fingerprint/face unlock using platform authenticators
- Security Key Support – Allow hardware keys for tap-to-approve MFA
- QR Code Authentication via the Auth0 Guardian App
As a platform geared for developers, Auth0 aims to accelerate the integration of passwordless into custom apps and workflows. The tools provided simplify adding capabilities like magic link login, biometrics, and security keys without intensive coding.
Extensive documentation, SDKs for all major frameworks, and a free developer tier make Auth0 accessible for prototyping passwordless proofs-of-concept. And the ability to embed highly-customized login user interfaces allows for branded, polished passwordless user experiences.
FusionAuth
FusionAuth delivers an identity and user management platform tailored for mid-market enterprises.
The solution focuses on providing core user registration, management and authentication capabilities for customer-facing apps.
For passwordless, FusionAuth supports:
- Magic Link via Email – Customizable login links with expiration policies
- SMS OTP Authentication – Integrate SMS gateways to deliver codes
- Security Keys – Allow FIDO U2F and WebAuthn hardware keys
FusionAuth also provides robust administration capabilities for managing user data, groups, roles, and permissions across systems.
The platform aims for simplicity in getting core user security and identity functionality up and running. It handles user passwords, MFA, SSO, social login, and now passwordless factors using straightforward configuration vs. intensive dev work.
FusionAuth sells based on number of customer logins per month. So developers can spin up unlimited free trials to build and test apps leveraging passwordless email login before committing.
Best Practices for Adopting Passwordless Authentication
When moving from legacy passwords to more modern authentication, the shift often happens gradually. Supporting passwordless alongside passwords during a transition period is recommended rather than forcing an abrupt changeover.
Here are several other best practices to smooth adoption:
Start with Low-Risk Use Cases First
Introduce passwordless in lower sensitivity scenarios initially to establish trust in the technology. Then expand to more security-critical applications once confidence builds.
Provide User Choice Between Multiple Passwordless Factors
Don‘t lock users into any single method for going passwordless. Offer options like FIDO security keys, magic links, SMS OTP codes, QR authentication or biometrics and let users decide over time which they prefer.
Expand Accessibility
Ensure passwordless solutions support users with disabilities via compatibility with assistive devices and accessibility functions.
Clearly Communicate Benefits to Users Upfront
Convey how passwordless authentication directly benefits users through better experience, security and convenience to foster buy-in.
Implement Fallbacks
Have backup mechanisms for users that get locked out or struggle adopting newer authentication methods initially. This safeguards against loss of access during the transition phase.
Challenges with Adopting Passwordless Authentication
While enthusiasm for passwordless authentication mounts in the security community, meaningful barriers slow mainstream enterprise adoption currently.
The most immediate blocker is inconsistent platform and browser support for emerging standards. For example, Apple and Mozilla have resisted allowing FIDO logins as a site‘s sole authentication method citing security concerns.
That means techniques like WebAuthn/FIDO can only augment old-fashioned passwords in many scenarios rather than fully displace passwords at this stage.
The distributed nature of passwordless standards controlled by alliances rather than individual vendors also slows market momentum. For instance, despite FIDO specifications being around since 2012, universal support for all users and sites remains elusive.
More broadly, the biggest obstacle is simply ingrained legacy habit. Both organizations and individuals cling to familiar password practices out of convenience, lacking incentives to change.
However as growing high-profile breaches erode trust in vulnerable passwords, appetite for a better approach keeps building. So expect passwordless adoption curves to steepen in coming years.
How to Choose the Best Passwordless Solutions
With an array of vendor offerings promising varied flavors of passwordless authentication, performing due diligence around options is crucial before making commitments.
Here are key evaluation criteria to consider when assessing providers:
Breadth of Passwordless Approaches – Look for support across multiple methods like FIDO protocols, QR codes, SMS OTP, magic links, etc. to provide user choice.
Biometric and Security Key Support – Seek out robust integration with authenticators using the latest industry standards.
Developer Experience – Review how easy solution providers make enabling passwordless login across web, SaaS and mobile apps via SDKs and APIs.
Admin Capabilities – Can their platforms empower IT teams to configure and govern passwordless rollout through dashboards and policies?
Customization Options – Check whether delivering branded passwordless user interfaces is supported to match company aesthetics.
Enterprise Reliability and Scale – Validate vendors offer enterprise SLAs, customer support, redundant infrastructure and scalability.
Using criteria like these allows methodically narrowing down passwordless contenders based on feature sets and enterprise reliability.
The Future of Passwordless Authentication
Passwords aren‘t disappearing overnight. But promising developments in standards development and platform adoption point to a passwordless future accelerating into view.
One major milestone was inclusion of the WebAuthn passwordless login capability in many browsers over the past couple years. Allowing FIDO authentication as the sole step significantly expands its applicability.
In the mobile world, platform developers like Microsoft, Google and Apple continuously expand built-in biometric passwordless authentication across their credentials and Single Sign-On offerings as well.
And devices increasingly ship with embedded Secure Elements and TPM chips enabling cryptographic authentication protocols required for sophisticated FIDO and similar schemes.
On the web technology front, advances like Sign In with Apple demonstrate even consumer-focused vendors now backing passwordless authentication of their user base. The announcement Apple, Google, and Microsoft formed the FIDO-aligned Passwordless.org group further underscores industry momentum.
Perhaps most promising is growing end user demand for better login experiences overall. As online activity explodes post-pandemic across devices, business apps, and critical infrastructure access, consumer patience for cumbersome legacy credentials wanes.
The forces appear aligned for rapid escalation from here towards a passwordless future defined by standards like FIDO rolling out ubiquitously. While adoption curves gradually slope upward currently, market dynamics signal hockey stick acceleration ahead.
Conclusion
There‘s never been more urgency nor opportunity to transition from flawed password authentication toward modern passwordless alternatives.
As threats like phishing and credential theft persist, legacy passwords clearly fail both usability and security tests for today‘s reality of boundaryless digital access across devices.
Thankfully robust enterprise-ready solutions for delivering passwordless experiences exist already leveraging techniques like biometrics, security keys, magic links and mobile push approvals.
Now is the time for security leaders to pilot and select platforms that align to their risk tolerance and user experience priorities. Building support for standards like FIDO and WebAuthn into future roadmaps also hedges long-term bets.
With careful change management and communication, organizations can thoughtfully chart a path to passwordless authentication, benefiting security and productivity alike. So rather than dread the next password expiry or breach notification, take steps to leave those worries behind for good.
