One of the emerging trends is the move towards passwordless authentication. It has taken a while but more people are moving towards biometrics and removing password authentication.
Below we will explore the pros and cons of going passwordless and provide some best practices for both maintaining passwords and adopting passwordless solutions.
Pros of Going Passwordless
- Enhanced Security: Passwordless authentication reduces the risk of password-related breaches. Since there are no passwords to steal, phishing attacks and credential stuffing become less effective.
- Improved User Experience: Users no longer need to remember complex passwords or go through the hassle of resetting forgotten ones. This can lead to a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.
- Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for password management, businesses can save on costs associated with password resets and support.
- Reduced Risk of Password Theft: With passwordless authentication, the risk of passwords being stolen or hacked is significantly reduced.
Cons of Going Passwordless
- Complex Implementation: Transitioning to a passwordless system can be complex and may require significant changes to existing infrastructure.
- Steep Learning Curve: Users and IT staff may need time to adapt to new authentication methods, which can initially slow down productivity.
- Increased Deployment Costs: Implementing passwordless solutions can involve higher upfront costs for new hardware and software.
- Troubleshooting Challenges: Passwordless systems can be more challenging to troubleshoot, especially if users encounter issues with biometric devices or security tokens.
Best Practices for Maintaining Passwords
- Use Complex Passwords: Ensure passwords are at least 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, makes it harder for attackers to gain access, even if your password is compromised.
- Utilise a Password Manager: Password managers generate and store complex passwords, reducing the need to remember them and preventing the temptation to reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
- Change Passwords Regularly: Regularly updating passwords further improves security. Set reminders to refresh your passwords every few months, especially for sensitive accounts.
- Beware of Phishing Attacks: Always verify the source before entering your login information to avoid falling victim to phishing attacks.
Best Practices for Going Passwordless
- Phased Approach: Start with pilot groups or departments to gradually adopt passwordless authentication before rolling it out company-wide.
- User-Friendly Onboarding: Ensure the onboarding process is simple and self-service to encourage user adoption.
- Extendibility Considerations: Ensure compatibility to extend passwordless solutions to third-party systems and suppliers.
- Clear Communication: Communicate the benefits of passwordless systems clearly to allay user skepticism and increase acceptance.
- Continuous Monitoring and Auditing: Regularly monitor and audit the passwordless system to ensure it remains secure and effective.
