Exploring the different types of passwordless authentication

Passwords present numerous challenges. They are difficult to remember, easily compromised, and frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Fortunately, advancements in authentication technology are steering us away from traditional passwords. Passwordless authentication provides a more secure and convenient method for accessing accounts.

But how does passwordless authentication work? Let’s explore the various methods and examine some practical examples.

Trivia: Did you know the average person has over 100 online accounts, each requiring a unique and secure password? With passwordless authentication, you can ditch the password struggle and simplify your login experience!

Learn about Tyson Foods' success story. Download now!

download

Under the Passwordless Umbrella

Passwordless authentication revolves around verifying your identity using factors other than a password. These factors can be broadly categorized into two main groups:

• Possession Factors: Something you have, like a phone or a security key.
• Biometric Factors: Something you are, like your face and fingerprint.

Let's explore some specific examples of passwordless authentication in action:

1. Possession-Based Authentication:

• One-Time Passwords (OTPs): These are temporary codes generated by an app on your smartphone or sent via SMS or email. You enter the code to log in, and it expires shortly after, making it more secure than a static password.
• Mobile Device Authentication: Many apps allow logins with just your phone. You might receive a push notification on your phone to approve the login, or be prompted to enter a PIN displayed on the screen.
• Hardware Tokens: These are physical devices that generate codes or communicate wirelessly with a reader to verify your identity. They offer a high level of security but can be inconvenient to carry around.

2. Biometric Authentication:

• Fingerprint Scanners: These scanners are becoming increasingly common in smartphones and laptops. Your fingerprint acts as your unique identifier, eliminating the need for a password altogether.
• Facial Recognition: Similar to fingerprint scanners, facial recognition uses your face as a login credential. While convenient, it might raise privacy concerns for some users.

3. Magic Links:

• Email or SMS Links: In this method, you enter your email address or phone number on the login page. The system then sends you a unique link. Clicking on the link verifies your identity and logs you in. While convenient, this method relies on the security of your email or phone number.

Real-World Examples of Passwordless Authentication

Passwords are becoming a thing of the past. Here's a look at how passwordless authentication is taking root in various aspects of our daily lives:

Scenario

Passwordless Authentication Method

Description

Unlocking your phone

Fingerprint scan, Facial recognition

Biometric sensors in smartphones allow secure and convenient access.

Accessing bank accounts

Hardware token, Magic Link

Banks might use hardware tokens generating one-time codes or magic links sent to your phone for login.

Securing corporate data

Hardware token, Security Key (limited adoption)

Businesses may use hardware tokens or emerging security keys to access sensitive data.

Social media logins

Magic Link

Some platforms allow password resets or logins through a one-time link sent to your verified email or phone.

Air travel security checks (pilot programs)

Facial recognition

Facial recognition technology is being tested at airports for faster security screening.

Hospital access to patient records

Fingerprint scanner, Access card

Hospitals may utilize biometrics or access cards for secure log in to patient information systems.

Contactless payments (trials)

Fingerprint scan, Facial recognition

Retail stores might experiment with fingerprint or facial recognition for secure contactless payments.

The Future of Authentication is Passwordless with OLOID

Passwordless authentication offers a secure and convenient solution for workplace applications and platforms, and therefore it should be accessible and adaptable. That's why OLOID offers a unique approach to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – a deviceless experience. OLOID's deviceless MFA approach makes this future accessible to a wider range of users and scenarios. This is ideal for situations where using a smartphone app might not be feasible, such as for frontline workers who rely on tablets or badges for work tasks. By adopting OLOID's passwordless solutions, you can build trust with your workforce users, safeguard sensitive data, and stay ahead of the security curve.

Learn more about OLOID's MFA solution!

FAQs

Q1. What are some examples of passwordless authentication?

One-time codes on your phone, fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and magic links sent to your email are all common examples.

Q2. Where is passwordless authentication being used?

Passwordless methods are used in unlocking phones, accessing bank accounts, securing corporate data, social media logins, and even pilot programs for air travel security checks.