The Spotight is On Passwordless Authentication
- 1. The spotlight is on passwordless authentication.
- 2. While MFA adds an extra layer of security by introducing another element to passwords, it's not impervious to hacking. This is where passwordless authentication can step in. www.mojoauth.com
- 3. Passwords are not entirely effective in preventing unauthorized access due to hacking methods and user behavior. www.mojoauth.com Verizon's report shows 50M daily password attacks, with 60% of data breaches from compromised credentials. Employee behaviors, such as password sharing and reuse, also contribute to security risks.
- 4. Why MFA Isn’t Foolproof? MFA has limitations - verifications can be intercepted and phone companies can be fooled. Hackers also continue to try to log in, hoping to trick victims. Uber experienced a MFA bombing attack in September 2022. www.mojoauth.com
- 5. How Passwordless Authentication is Different? Passwordless authentication replaces passwords with methods like facial or fingerprint scans or USB keys, making it resistant to phishing. Some vendors falsely claim to offer passwordless authentication, while still using vulnerable one-time passwords or magic links. However, true passwordless authentication is safer and over half of organizations have transitioned to it, resulting in reduced risk and increased efficiency per Enterprise Strategy Group. www.mojoauth.com
- 6. The FIDO Era Two methods of passwordless authentication exist. The first replaces passwords with voiceprints, fingerprints, facial scans, or PINs in the traditional MFA approach, providing more protection against phishing. The second method uses FIDO2's public key cryptography, where a private key pairs with a company-held public key. This is considered the strongest authentication method and can prevent push bomb attacks. FIDO keys are stored in hardware vaults in smartphones or laptops, or in hardware security keys like those from Yubico. www.mojoauth.com
- 7. Considerations Before You Adopt Passwordless Authentication www.mojoauth.com Choose a system based on your specific security needs. Highly regulated industries may prefer a FIDO-focused system. Make sure the authentication system integrates with existing identity and access management systems, and supports legacy applications. FIDO2-based authentication is gaining popularity, with major tech companies announcing expanded support for it last year.
- 8. What’s Ahead for Authentication Organizations need to adopt identity-proofing that validates a person's identity using facial scans and government-issued documents. Using a corporate email for authentication is insufficient, and verified identity proofing with APIs to government-issued credentials is the next level of security. www.mojoauth.com