Logging in to a system without a password may seem unsafe. After all, a long, complex password has long been considered fundamental to secure login. However, though they are difficult to crack, password complexity has its own associated risks.
The vulnerabilities of passwords
Complex passwords are difficult to remember, as a result of which they need to be stored in a separate location. The requirement for frequent password changes also increases the difficulty of remembering them. This risks exposing them to hacking, cracking or phishing attacks.
The greater risk, however, is that the corporate user may use the same password across multiple sites. This creates a risk of credential stuffing attacks and also makes it more difficult to change the password on all websites if required.
(You can learn more about some of the attacks your passwords are vulnerable to, here: 6 Password Policy Management Best Practices for a more secure IT environment)
Security without passwords
When your applications are accessed through password-based login, the credentials can be shared very easily. This is a major risk, since secure credentials may be shared with unauthorized individuals.
Another potential security risk is that application developers and vendors can access user credentials; a real risk to data privacy. Such databases are also vulnerable to phishing attacks.
Passwordless authentication
Instead of logging in with passwords, modern applications and tech systems use passwordless device-based authentication. Since passwordless authentication is a zero-trust login, it prevents all the above risks.
There’s no need to maintain a record of complex passwords or regular password rotations. Since the credentials are non-shareable, unauthorized individuals cannot access your critical data and applications using approved credentials.
Passwordless authentication depends on individual device keys to authenticate user identity. Since the data is not recorded digitally, phishing attacks to gain access to the credentials are impossible.
The device keys are generated by the user, and not even the application owner or vendor can gain access to the user data in question. This helps boost data privacy and security.
(You can learn more about passwordless authentication here: Passwordless Authentication 101: What it is, How you can adopt it, and Why it’s the future)
Akku and passwordless login
As part of our range of MFA (multi-factor authentication) options, Akku offers device-based passwordless authentication. Your single sign-on (SSO) can be customized to deliver passwordless login. Akku offers this feature to protect user data privacy. Do reach out to our team today to learn more about passwordless authentication and how to get started with Akku, the customizable IAM.
