In the era of technological advancements, sticking to passwords is still a common practice. Moreover, the tenancy of using the same passwords makes accounts vulnerable to hacking. In 2023, “123456” was used as a password more than 4.5 million times, making it the most common.
However, people are realizing the vulnerabilities attached to using and reusing passwords and, therefore, switching to new-gen passwordless authentication methods, such as Yubikey, OTP, PIN, and biometrics. According to a report, it will reach an astounding market size of $53 billion by 2030.
The most common reason for this change is the enhanced security that such technology provides. Moreover, they even decreased the helpdesk tickets, as the need to raise forgotten or reset passwords was eliminated.
Also Read: Evolution of Security: Embracing Multifactor Authentication for a Password-Free Future
Table of Contents
What is Passwordless Authentication?
As the name suggests, passwordless authentication system is a verification method for ascertaining the credibility of the person logging into an account using methods other than a password. Today, One-Time Password (OTP), Personal Identification Number (PIN), a secret answer, email notification, Yubikey, or biometrics are used for authentication.
The security of accounts is further enhanced by incorporating more than one factor of verification, i.e., combining an OTP with a secondary factor, like a biometric. This is often referred to as two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
Most Common Methods of Authentication without Passwords
Biometrics
Face, fingerprint, eye, voice, or other biometrics have become one of the most commonly used methods of verifying identity. According to a report, biometric technology is valued at $34 billion in the digital identity solutions market and is one of the significant components of it.
Biometrics are unique to an individual, and this quality enhances the security of premises or apps wherever they get used. They are commonly used for unlocking doors, devices, apps, and other digital access areas.
Nowadays, banking apps provide biometric login. So, users can register their fingerprint or face once on the app and forget about their PINs or passwords when logging into the account.
Similarly, attendance, a significant part of HR and admin’s lifecycle, can also be managed separately using face recognition software that triggers real-time check-in and checkout timings on the user’s app and admin portal.
Push Notifications
Have you ever received a push notification from Google to verify your identity after logging into your account if you ever used a new device? Once the user clicks on the notification, the user gets redirected to a page wherein approve or deny has to be selected. Post approval, the user receives an email notification of login with a new device.
The same push notification also happens on payment apps like Paytm, wherein the user has to verify the identity with a secondary mode of authentication PIN or other to proceed with the payment. Many access management apps also follow a similar process.
One-Time Password (OTPs)
OTPs are fairly commonly authentication without password modes, which involve sending a 4-6 digit code on the user’s registered mobile number. Unlike other methods, it can take time for the SMS to reach the user, and at times, it fails to get the user, too.
Therefore, identity and access management apps that include OTPs can fail to provide user login if the password arrives late or exceeds the time limit for its accessibility. OTPs are either received by the user by email or SMS; however, some apps require multi-factor verification, which demands entering the passwords sent to both registered email and mobile phone.
Which is the Best Mode of Passwordless Authentication?
The most secure and convenient passwordless authentication method is biometrics. With the use of face, fingerprint, voice, etc., patterns that are unique to individuals, it becomes easy to access accounts and enhance security.
Moreover, user convenience is substantially greater than that of other methods. For example, OTPs can delay or even not arrive, whereas face biometric authentication works well (within seconds) with the best hardware or software solutions available in the market.
Furthermore, biometric matching generally happens with 1:N matching, and if incorporated with a liveness detection, it becomes wholly spoofproof and tamperproof. On the other hand, a 1:N match allows one to identify the Bio-ID from an extensive database.
Read Also:
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- Passwordless Authentication: All You Need to Know
- TruNtrance: Employee Attendance and Activity Monitoring Solution
- What is the Importance of Anti Money Laundering (AML) in Banking?
- Biometric Boarding: How is it Transforming Airport Experiences?
Conclusion
Biometric Passwordless authentication has become the new-age requirement for enhancing the security and convenience of the end users. The use of biometrics has become relatively more in this regard than other readily available market solutions.
Biometrics are much better than OTPs or PINs as they are unique to an individual, can’t get replicated easily, and provide higher levels of protection when incorporated with liveness detection.
Besides this, biometric multifactor authentication is relatively seamless and faster, with the highest levels of accuracy than traditional modes like OTPs, PINs, or passwords. Connect with us today to know how we can upscale your organization with contactless biometrics.