What is Passwordless Authentication

Passwordless authentication is a method of user authentication that does not require the user to enter a password. Instead, it uses alternative means of verifying the user's identity, such as a one-time password (OTP), biometric factors (such as fingerprint or face recognition), or a physical key (such as a USB key).

With passwordless authentication, the user does not need to remember a password or keep it secure, which eliminates the risk of password-based attacks, such as phishing, brute-force attacks, or password reuse. This makes passwordless authentication more secure than traditional password-based authentication.

Passwordless authentication can be implemented in various ways, depending on the use case and the available technology. For example, a website or an app can send a one time password OTP to the user's email or phone number, which the user enters to authenticate. Alternatively, the user can scan a QR code or use a physical key to authenticate.

Passwordless authentication is gaining popularity as a secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional password-based authentication. However, it also has some limitations and challenges, such as the need for additional hardware or software, the potential for device loss or theft, and the need for a backup authentication method in case of failure. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the suitability and security of passwordless authentication for each use case and to implement it with the appropriate safeguards and best practices.

This article is provided by Typing AI Biometrics, an Artificial Intelligence startup that aims to make the web a safer place to be. Typing AI identifies users by the way they type using AI and Machine Learning (ML).