When we visualize the process of logging into our login accounts, we almost always think of entering passwords (and, if we're being honest, struggling to remember them, then resetting them, and finally trying to log in again). While that old process is familiar and maybe comfortable in a way, the future of authentication is quickly approaching. Here's how your business can prepare for a more secure and user-friendly login experience – one that doesn't rely on passwords.
Why it's time to move on from passwords
We've been in a stalemate with passwords for years. We have too many passwords to keep track of, and it's troublesome to come up with a unique and complex password for each and every site or app we use. On the other hand, we know what passwords are and how to use them. Why switch to passwordless authentication now when we already have something in place, even if it's not ideal?
Passwords make us vulnerable to serious cyber threats and the problem is getting much worse as time goes on. It's far too easy for bad actors to steal, guess, or even buy one of our online passwords as it is. They are even buying and selling entire packages of passwords on the dark web, all wrapped up in a bow. Once they have one of our passwords, these cyber criminals can then use it to log into that account. As if that scenario wasn't bad enough on its own, it can actually get worse from there.
If our password hygiene isn't so great and we've re-used that same password for multiple accounts, then it's incredibly easy to go and log into those accounts, too. In fact, cyber attackers can use automated tools to do this too. If they manage to get into an employee's work account, for example one that is used to access corporate financial data or customer information, then they've just hit paydirt without breaking a sweat.
According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 49% of breaches by external actors involved the use of stolen credentials like passwords. Clearly, this situation is not ideal for anyone who relies on the internet to go about their business at work or in their personal lives. This is why we need new authentication methods that are more secure.
Why the future of authentication is passwordless
The way we log into our online accounts is about to change. Rather than simply relying on a password that anyone could use if they got their hands on it, the authentication process will soon be passwordless.
Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are already in place at certain businesses, and some employees are also becoming more comfortable with using them on their personal devices. Because it's much harder to steal or fake someone's face or fingerprint than it is to get their password, these forms of biometric authentication will make it tougher for cyber attackers to compromise employee accounts. Although it sounds like the stuff of sci-fi, logging in with your face or your finger will soon be commonplace – and it will be a lot easier than fumbling around for that password that you can't quite remember.
Other passwordless authentication methods are coming soon, too. Passkeys are intended to replace passwords altogether. Each passkey will be unique, composed of a public key that resides with the website or app in question as well as a private key that lives only on the user's device. Not only will this design make it much harder for a cyber criminal to get their hands on a user's passkey in the first place, but they also won't be able to use one passkey to access multiple accounts like they currently can with passwords.
How to help your employees adjust to passwordless authentication
If you're an IT leader or a business executive, then you may be wondering how to help your users or employees navigate the learning curve involved with the switch to passwordless authentication. One way to help them prepare for the change is to ask them for feedback about the challenges they have with passwords today. Their input will help you understand what their user experience is like when trying to log in, where the pain points are, and how it could be improved.
Once you've gotten that feedback, you can make an informed decision about which passwordless authentication methods are right for your business. Some businesses will be using a mix of passwordless technologies depending on their needs; for example, they may choose to implement biometric authentication in combination with passkeys. Others may go in a different direction, opting to first dip a toe in the water with multi-factor authentication before considering a fully passwordless route.
Whatever course you decide on, be sure to offer your employees plenty of educational resources to help them adjust to the transition. This can take the form of security awareness trainings, online video courses, handy cheat sheets, or something else altogether. The important thing is to make sure your staff knows why the change is coming and that they have the support necessary to make the adjustment – especially if they're working from home.
Get ready for the future of authentication
The future can seem like a scary place, but with a little knowledge, it can transform into a secure one with fewer passwords to stumble over. Passwordless is possible, especially if you begin laying the groundwork for the transition now. By preparing for our passwordless future today, you can set your employees and your business up for a safer and easier login experience.
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