With rising security demands and an increasing reliance on biometric data, it seems that traditional passwords will soon be a relic of the past. Big tech players like Apple, Microsoft, and Google have recently thrown their weight behind the FIDO2 WebAuthn standard, an initiative by the Fast Identity Online Alliance (FIDO) aiming to usher in an era of text-free authentication alternatives. Below, we explore this rapid transformation and examine how modern businesses are now preparing for a passwordless future.
Changing standards and regulations
As industry regulations demand higher levels of protection for sensitive data, businesses are compelled to explore more secure and flexible authentication methods. This, according to experts, could lead to the inevitable adoption of passwordless systems. Such an approach will not only allow companies to meet current security mandates but also remain adaptable to future standards. They’ll additionally have the freedom of experimenting with various authentication types to see which measures fit their specific company and customer needs best.
A noteworthy aspect of this transition is the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI). This technology has the potential to replace two-factor authentication, a popular alternative to simple passwords. While effective in adding an extra layer of security, it often introduces “customer friction” by requiring additional steps during login.
AI-powered systems may simplify this process by monitoring user behavior and login patterns continuously, assessing when additional security layers are warranted. With multifactor requests becoming an increasing target for cyberattacks, this adaptive verification process could be a valuable alternative in helping businesses stay both safe and compliant.
The rise of biometric authentication
Biometric authentication has only grown in popularity, offering a vastly more secure means of identity verification than traditional password systems. At the forefront of this trend is behavioral biometrics, a technology that tracks users’ physical habits, such as their height, gait, location, and login patterns, creating a comprehensive map of their “normal” behavior. AI can then be used to continuously assess login attempts, flagging any deviations from established user behavior, such as unfamiliar locations or unusual purchases. These anomalies can then trigger additional layers of biometric verification, such as fingerprint or facial scans.
On top of offering greater security, these methods improve user experience, making it an attractive option for businesses aiming to enhance their protective measures while maintaining user convenience. The practice has already gained widespread support from industry tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
A passwordless future
When transitioning to a passwordless future, businesses should ensure their approach doesn’t compromise security or user-friendliness. Experts highlight the need for effective identity orchestration: the design and implementation of a system that seamlessly handles user identity verification across different devices, platforms, and services. This could help companies adapt seamlessly to evolving authentication standards and eliminate the friction users often encounter during registration and authentication.
With the advent of passkeys, an emerging passwordless alternative, credentials can be distributed across multiple devices without the need for additional enrollment steps. This not only enhances security but also simplifies the user experience, helping mitigate the cognitive fatigue often associated with managing and remembering numerous codes, a common problem among traditional passwords.
What are the fail-safes?
Passwordless authentication offers numerous benefits, but like any new technology, it isn’t immune to occasional failures. It’s therefore important to have alternative verification methods readily available, such as QR codes and secondary enrolled devices. These could serve as safety nets to ensure that users have access to their accounts and data even if the primary passwordless method encounters an issue.
Furthermore, the emergence of passkeys and the concept of central user identity helps connect multiple devices, allowing for seamless switching between them in case of device failure or unavailability. Behavioral signals, such as location- and time-based factors, and emergency one-time sign-ons could also serve as backup authentication methods.
Experts also predict the continued use of PINs or facial and fingerprint recognition on mobile devices, highlighting how such passcodes should be stored and used entirely on the device to maintain the highest level of security.
Create a stronger and smoother security experience by embracing a passwordless approach. If you’re ready to explore how these systems can benefit your business and cybersecurity, reach out to our team at Quicktech today. We’ll help equip you with the right tools for a more secure digital future.