Passwords are no longer the gold standard for security. They are the weakest link. Despite decades of training users to create complex passwords and Identity Management solutions providing higher levels of encryption, hackers continue to bypass our defenses. Phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks are still getting them through our defenses.
As organisations struggle to keep up with evolving threats, they often try to find ways to strengthen passwords. This usually means higher levels of encryption on password databases, or mandating more complex password requirements. There is a much simpler and more secure approach: Eliminate passwords entirely. It may sound counter intuitive, but passwordless authentication offers a more secure and user-friendly approach.
The problem with passwords
Traditional username and password systems have one fatal flaw: human behaviour. Weak passwords, passwords reused across multiple platforms, or users who fall for phishing scams still happen. Even worse, users sometimes save their passwords in notebooks or leave them on sticky notes on their monitor or under their keyboard.
Even the strongest password is vulnerable if it’s stored in plain sight or gets compromised in a data breach. Stealing credentials is the easiest way to get into an organisation’s network.
What is passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication removes passwords from the equation entirely, replacing them with modern, more secure methods. Instead of requiring users to remember complex passwords for each system, users authenticate leveraging something the user has (a device or token) and/or something they are (biometrics).
Some examples of common passwordless technologies
Hardware Tokens: Devices like YubiKeys generate random one-time passwords (OTP). These one-time passwords can be used in place of a traditional password. The token uses public key cryptography and can’t be easily spoofed or duplicated. The tokens are small, easy to carry, and they can be used across multiple systems. They continually provide new alpha-numeric codes that can be used like a password, but because they are constantly changing, they can’t be stolen. Also, since the key never leaves the device and can’t be phished, it provides a higher level of security than a password.
Pros:
Highly secure and resistant to phishing
Durable and portable
Usable across multiple platforms
Cons:
Requires physical token which can be lost or stolen
Additional cost for procurement and management
Users need to carry the token at all times
Biometric Authentication: Biometric Authentication leverages a user's physical traits for authentication. Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and retina scans are all examples of this. By leveraging a user’s unique physical traits there is nothing to steal, and they are very hard to spoof. Most users today leverage some form of Biometric Authentication. Webcams and fingerprint readers are integrated into most laptops and cell phones today. Solutions like Apple's Face ID and Windows Hello are easy to use and, and widely adopted examples of this technology.
Pros:
Extremely secure and difficult to counterfeit
Convenient and user-friendly
Integrated into many modern devices
Cons:
Privacy concerns related to biometric data
Potential for false rejections or acceptances
Requires compatible hardware
Single Sign-On (SSO): With SSO, users log in once using a secure token and gain access to multiple applications without re-entering credentials. By requiring the user to log in only once, we reduce the number of passwords that could get compromised. This also streamlines efficiency by making the login process easier. In short, SSO solutions can streamline access to applications and services, while ensuring compliance with security policies and improving operational efficiency.
Pros:
Reduces password fatigue and user friction
Improve security by minimising attack surfaces
Centralises authentication management
Cons:
If compromised, can expose multiple systems
Complex implementation and integration
Potential for single point of failure
Modern identity platforms such as Microsoft Entra and Okta have made passwordless authentication easier to adopt and manage. These platforms support standards-based authentication like FIDO2, integrate with biometric systems, and offer robust device and access policies.
This helps organisations strike the right balance between security and usability. Entra, for example, enables organisations to enforce conditional access and integrate passwordless options natively with Microsoft 365. Okta provides flexible integration with thousands of SaaS applications, supporting adaptive access policies and contextual login experiences.
Why it matters
Passwordless authentication not only improves security but also enhances user experience. No more password resets, no more remembering complex strings. From a security standpoint, passwordless systems drastically reduce the risk of phishing, brute-force attacks, and credential reuse.
Not ready for passwordless? Use MFA
While a password less approach is more secure, not every organisation or technology is ready for it. If your organisation isn’t ready to fully eliminate passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) isn’t just a important step forward, it’s critical.
MFA requires users to present two or more “factors” to verify their identity. If a password gets leaked or compromised, a hacker still can’t access your systems. The MFA solution still requires a second “factor”. These can be:
Something they know (a password)
Something they have (a phone or token)
Something they are (a biometric).
According to Microsoft, implementing MFA blocks over 99% of account compromise attacks.
The bottom line
Passwords are outdated and insecure. Whether you take the leap to passwordless authentication with modern tools like Entra or Okta, or start by rolling out MFA, every step toward stronger identity management is a step toward protecting your users, your data, and your reputation. The future of secure access is here—and it doesn’t involve passwords.
As certified IT security experts, we can help you fortify your defences, uphold regulatory compliance, improve your company's security posture and proactively maintain your servers and networks to protect you from evolving cyber risks.
Alex Weeks
