Passwordless authentication isn’t only a futuristic thought anymore; it’s turning into important for enterprise safety in a world the place passwords stay the weakest hyperlink.
With 2.1 billion stolen credentials in 2024 alone, compromised passwords stay one of the exploited vulnerabilities in cyberattacks. Regardless of years of warnings, many enterprises nonetheless depend on passwords as their major line of protection, lacking the chance to improve to trendy options constructed for right this moment’s threats.
However the panorama has shifted. Regulatory compliance pressures, rising phishing assaults, and the rising adoption of hybrid work environments have pressured organizations to rethink their method. Passwordless authentication software program has emerged as a safe, scalable various, eliminating passwords fully by changing them with machine belief, biometrics, and cryptographic credentials.
What’s passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication is a login methodology that removes passwords and makes use of biometrics, one-time codes, or trusted units to confirm identification. Customers authenticate with fingerprint scans, face recognition, e mail hyperlinks, or safety keys. Passwordless programs improve safety by lowering password theft and phishing dangers.
Some organizations have layered in multi-factor authentication (MFA), these options usually hold passwords on the core, limiting their effectiveness towards trendy threats. This information explores why passwordless authentication issues now greater than ever, the way it works, the main options out there, and the way enterprises can implement it throughout advanced IT environments.
Passwordless authentication went from being a distinct segment various pursued by forward-thinking companies to one thing everybody was speaking about.
TL;DR: All the pieces it’s essential to learn about passwordless authentication
- What’s passwordless authentication? Passwordless authentication verifies person identification with out passwords, utilizing strategies like biometrics, safety tokens, and device-based credentials to ship safe, seamless login experiences.
- Why does passwordless authentication matter? It helps eradicate password-related safety dangers like phishing and credential theft, improves the person login expertise, and lowers IT help prices tied to password resets and lockouts.
- What are the principle varieties of passwordless authentication? Widespread strategies embody biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition), one-time passcodes despatched to trusted units, FIDO2-compliant {hardware} tokens, and device-embedded credentials like certificates or passkeys.
- How passwordless authentication works: These options use public key cryptography, machine belief, and person biometrics to confirm identification, changing shared secrets and techniques with safe, phishing-resistant login flows.
- The place is passwordless authentication used? It’s more and more utilized in enterprise workstation logins, distant VPN entry, cloud app authentication, and cell machine safety, spanning each cloud-native and hybrid IT environments.
- What challenges do enterprises face when going passwordless? Key challenges embody legacy system compatibility, overlaying all person entry situations throughout hybrid environments, and planning for misplaced machine restoration and fallback authentication.
- Widespread passwordless authentication options: Main distributors embody Microsoft Entra ID with Home windows Hi there, Okta FastPass, Duo Passwordless, Ping Id, and HYPR, providing options that combine with IAM programs like Lively Listing and help trendy protocols equivalent to FIDO2 and WebAuthn.
What are the principle varieties of passwordless authentication strategies?
Listed below are a couple of generally used passwordless authentication strategies individuals usually select from:
One-time codes
A one-time code is shipped to a registered cell machine or e mail tackle. Companies usually deploy this to authenticate their clients (B2C). It’s much less generally used for enterprise authentication, i.e., to authenticate workers.
Biometrics
This passwordless authentication methodology has turn into the norm for authenticating customers to their cell units, with standard implementations of the expertise in Apple Face ID and fingerprint authentication ubiquitously obtainable on even the most affordable cell units. Biometrics is primarily used to authenticate the person to the machine itself utilizing biometric multifactor system designs.
Devoted {hardware} safety tokens
Devoted {hardware} safety tokens usually retailer a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) credential. Lately, FIDO-compliant units equivalent to YubiKeys have grown in recognition as a high-assurance person authentication various to passwords. These units provide a great degree of safety, as they’re onerous to forge and require bodily possession, however they’re additionally reasonably costly and cumbersome for customers to hold round and use.
Authentication credentials connected to a bunch machine
This credential (i.e. a PKI shopper authentication certificates pinned to a private pc) is generally used to authenticate worker workstations to enterprise networks and assets. Right here once more, FIDO-compliant options are gaining recognition, with probably the most notable instance being Microsoft Home windows Hi there for Enterprise. Home windows Hi there is accessible on newer variations of Home windows and combines a FIDO-compliant credential with a person PIN or biometric print to unlock entry to the credential.
Passwordless authentication vs. Conventional Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Combining a number of types of authentication for identification proofing ends in multi-factor authentication (MFA). Traditionally, MFA was used to enhance the safety of password-based authentication. Utilizing a password (one thing you already know) along with a devoted key fob or registered cell machine (one thing you might have) would offer a number of elements of authentication which are more durable to phish, crack, or hack and, due to this fact, present a better degree of assurance.
| Function | Passwordless authentication | Conventional MFA |
| Consumer Enter | Biometric, machine possession | Password + OTP or safety token |
| Phishing Resistance | Excessive | Average |
| Consumer Expertise | Seamless, fast | Typically cumbersome |
| Forgotten Credentials | Uncommon (biometrics/device-based) | Widespread |
| Value to Preserve | Decrease (fewer resets/helpdesk calls) | Increased (extra person help wanted) |
| Safety Energy | Very excessive (no shared secrets and techniques) | Average (password stays a weak hyperlink) |
| Compatibility with Legacy Apps | Average to Excessive (varies by vendor) | Excessive |
At present, it’s potential to make use of a number of elements of authentication with out passwords as one of many elements, leading to passwordless MFA. Probably the most generally used authentication elements for passwordless MFA are the person’s registered cell machine, along with a person PIN or fingerprint offered through the machine’s built-in fingerprint sensor.
What must you think about earlier than selecting a passwordless authentication answer?
So, what ought to an enterprise be taking a look at when trying to find the proper authentication answer? There are a lot of issues when shopping for a brand new person authentication answer, however the three most essential ones are:
Selecting the best passwordless authentication answer isn’t nearly adopting the newest expertise; it’s about discovering a platform that matches your enterprise’s full vary of person wants, technical constraints, and compliance necessities. Right here’s what to guage earlier than you deploy.
1. Complete use case protection
A contemporary authentication answer should help all person authentication situations, otherwise you danger leaving passwords in place for gaps. These gaps undermine your safety objectives and person expertise.
Widespread enterprise use instances embody:
- Workstation logins: Home windows, macOS, and sometimes Linux programs, which require tight integration with OS-level authentication and area administration instruments.
- Distant entry VPN: Supporting a wide range of VPN options that distant and cell workers depend on every day.
- Cloud software entry: Vital for enterprises utilizing Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and numerous SaaS instruments. Whereas SAML and OAuth2 requirements exist, they’re not all the time persistently applied.
- Offline authentication: Supporting customers when disconnected from the company community is a historic weak point for a lot of MFA instruments.
- Authenticator loss restoration: {Hardware} tokens and units get misplaced. An excellent answer offers safe, self-service restoration or speedy alternative with out downtime.
With out full protection, you’ll both must hold passwords as a fallback or deploy a number of authentication programs, each of that are costly and irritating for customers.
2. Compatibility with current infrastructure
Enterprises aren’t greenfield environments. Over time, IT ecosystems accumulate:
- Legacy programs that predate trendy authentication requirements
- Various directories like Lively Listing, LDAP, or cloud identification suppliers
- Current MFA instruments, USB tokens, OTP authenticators, and cell apps
A robust passwordless answer ought to combine seamlessly with this surroundings, avoiding expensive rip-and-replace migrations. Search for platforms that:
- Work with what you have already got
- Assist phased migrations from previous to new programs
- Simplify credential administration throughout heterogeneous environments
3. Compliance and regulatory readiness
In regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and authorities, compliance is non-negotiable. Passwordless options should help:
- PCI DSS
- HIPAA
- SOX/GLBA
- DFARS
- PSD2
- GDPR
Past ticking regulatory containers, your answer ought to present audit trails, sturdy encryption, and identity-proofing mechanisms that face up to scrutiny from safety groups and auditors.
How one can implement passwordless authentication throughout hybrid IT environments
Implementing passwordless authentication in a contemporary enterprise is extra advanced than flipping a swap. Enterprises function in hybrid IT environments, the place cloud functions, on-premises programs, legacy platforms, and distant endpoints coexist. A profitable passwordless deployment requires a phased method, balancing trendy identification applied sciences with the realities of current infrastructure.
1. Begin with an authentication panorama evaluation
Audit your surroundings to grasp the place and the way customers authenticate right this moment. Establish programs that help trendy protocols like FIDO2/WebAuthn, and flag legacy functions nonetheless depending on passwords.
2. Prioritize high-impact use instances
Roll out passwordless authentication the place it’s going to have the best safety and person expertise impression first:
- Workstation logins (e.g., Home windows Hi there for Enterprise)
- Distant entry VPNs
- Cloud apps like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Google Workspace
- Excessive-risk person teams (executives, privileged admins)
3. Choose enterprise-grade passwordless options
Search for distributors that help hybrid environments, equivalent to Microsoft Azure AD, Okta FastPass, Duo Passwordless, or Ping Id. Guarantee they combine along with your current directories (e.g., Lively Listing, Azure AD), SSO platforms, and legacy programs.
4. Plan for legacy system compatibility
Many enterprises nonetheless depend on legacy apps that may’t help trendy auth protocols. Choose options that may bridge this hole — both by offering fallback credentials managed by the system or by utilizing passwordless wrappers that ship a seamless person expertise.
5. Execute a phased rollout with change administration
Begin with a pilot group, refine the rollout primarily based on suggestions, and develop progressively. Equip customers with coaching and fallback choices (e.g., restoration through cell authenticator or {hardware} token) to ease adoption.
6. Monitor, measure, and refine
Observe key metrics like login success charges, helpdesk calls, and safety incident charges. Repeatedly refine authentication insurance policies and take away passwords as confidence grows.
Key advantages of passwordless authentication for contemporary organizations
Passwordless authentication is a kind of uncommon instances in life the place the brand new answer is clearly superior in each facet. Selecting it doesn’t require making any trade-offs or weighing execs and cons. Passwordless authentication gives higher safety and a greater person expertise and is cheaper to personal and function than password-based authentication options.
Enhances the person expertise
Passwordless authentication gives a greater person expertise as a result of customers don’t must recall and key in passwords. This implies faster logons and fewer failed makes an attempt. Passwords are by no means forgotten or need to be reset, which implies much less downtime because of misplaced or forgotten passwords and fewer aggravation.
Improves total safety
Changing weak passwords with a well-designed passwordless authentication answer truly improves safety as a result of passwordless is phishing-resistant and gives higher safety towards different types of credential entry assaults, together with man-in-the-middle, keylogging, credential stuffing, password spraying, and others.
It’s cheaper in the long term
Passwordless authentication is cheaper to personal and function than passwords. Passwords require costly administration as a result of they require supporting password administration programs to allow customers to carry out periodic password refreshes and the occasional password reset.
Passwords additionally create a major load on helpdesks when customers neglect their passwords or lose their authenticator and name the helpdesk for help in restoration. Additional value financial savings will be realized by shutting down phishing prevention packages, which educate customers and defend them from phishing. Properly-designed passwordless authentication is phishing-proof.
What are the most important challenges in deploying passwordless authentication?
The primary problem for companies that determine to deploy passwordless authentication is normally their legacy programs and functions that weren’t designed for passwordless authentication. So whereas it’s simple to purchase into the imaginative and prescient of a passwordless office, getting there will be daunting when coping with a heterogeneous IT surroundings that mixes new and dated programs.
One method is to deploy passwordless authentication just for programs and apps that help it. This usually interprets into the deployment of passwordless authentication for cloud apps and typically additionally on newer working programs (i.e., the newest variations of Home windows 10). However going passwordless is actually an all-or-nothing effort: you both do away with passwords, otherwise you don’t.
So, to efficiently deploy passwordless authentication for customers, it’s normally not sufficient to determine that passwordless is a greater, cheaper, safer choice. You will need to select the expertise that can aid you deploy passwordless throughout an current and heterogeneous IT surroundings and tackle all of your authentication use instances.
Prime passwordless authentication options for enterprises in 2025
The passwordless authentication market in 2025 is evolving shortly, with enterprise demand fueling speedy developments in expertise and adoption.
G2 shares sincere critiques from IT groups who’ve switched to passwordless programs, making your determination simpler. One of the best options present enterprise-grade safety, broad compatibility with hybrid IT environments, and seamless person experiences throughout units and functions.
To be thought-about for the class, a product should:
- Immediate customers to authenticate when logging in
- Authenticate customers with a FIDO-compliant authenticator app or safety key
- Supply customers a number of methods to authenticate together with, however not restricted to: cell push on trusted units; FIDO-enabled units; bodily safety keys; keycards; sensible watches; biometrics; QR codes; and desktop app and PIN
Right here’s a have a look at a few of the prime passwordless authentication options in line with G2 Summer season Studies 2025. Some critiques could also be edited for readability.
1. Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID (previously Azure Lively Listing) is an enterprise identification and entry administration platform that provides passwordless authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and conditional entry insurance policies. It helps biometrics, FIDO2 safety keys, and machine belief to safe person logins throughout Microsoft 365, Azure, and 1000’s of built-in functions.
What G2 customers like greatest:
“My favourite is the way it ties in so naturally to the Microsoft ecosystem — from Groups and SharePoint to Outlook and Azure. With Single Signal-On (SSO), all functions will be accessed securely by customers by means of a single sign-in, and identities will be managed by directors from a single level.
Conditional Entry might be probably the most useful function. It permits us to implement insurance policies that modify primarily based on location, machine, or person danger. This permits us to have sturdy safety with out including extra problem for customers. Integration with MFA can also be seamless and dependable.
Probably the most important advantages are identification administration centralization, safety, and scalability. It offers with hybrid environments very effectively — we will each on-premises and cloud identities handle. In addition to, options like self-service password reset and group-based entry scale back the workload for IT help.”
– Microsoft Entra ID Overview, Fidel F.
What G2 customers dislike:
“There’s a nice deal to dislike. Exterior Authentication Mechanisms do not help major elements, so MSFT forces me to attempt to go Passwordless their manner. Their implementation of passkeys just isn’t applicable for enterprise use; it seems extra consumer-oriented. SAML integration is completed by means of federation, which isn’t granular in the way in which Okta and each different SAML SSO is. Generally, the product is painful to arrange, use, and keep. I have never even began on the hybrid facets with on-prem AD. It is like a sequel to a nasty horror film.”
– Microsoft Entra ID Overview, Chris W.
2. LastPass
LastPass is a password supervisor and authentication platform providing safe password storage, autofill, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for people and companies. Its enterprise plans embody password sharing controls, darkish internet monitoring, and SSO integrations, serving to groups handle credentials securely throughout apps and units.
What G2 customers like greatest:
“I respect how user-friendly and handy LastPass is! It makes it a lot simpler to handle and safe all my passwords in a single place, with out having to recollect each login. Plus, the browser extension and cell app work seamlessly, so I all the time have entry to my info wherever I would like it.
I additionally like how LastPass helps with producing sturdy passwords, giving me peace of thoughts that my accounts are secure. Total, it’s a instrument that makes digital life safer and environment friendly!”
– LastPass Overview, Krishen B.
What G2 customers dislike:
“I’ve each a private account and a enterprise account. Switching between the two is a ache. Lately, I’ve had a lot of points with the plugin for Edge. I’ve switched to different browsers to keep away from it.”
– LastPass Overview, Andrew L.
3. Keeper Password Supervisor
Keeper is a zero-knowledge password administration and secrets and techniques vault answer for companies and people. It allows safe password storage, privileged entry administration, and role-based entry controls, with support for encrypted password sharing, MFA, and safe file storage.
What G2 customers like greatest:
“The benefit of use, it is so intuitive and straightforward to navigate. With regards to corporate-level utilization, managing numerous customers is a breeze, sharing passwords or credentials between customers, and delegating ranges of hierarchy is such a time saver with peace of thoughts included. We use it every day right here within the firm, and it ensures our enterprise stays agile however secure. It is really easy to onboard new members as effectively. I might have by no means thought a password administration app with a troublesome layer of safety can be really easy to implement on our staff.”
– Keeper Overview, Gabriel P.
What G2 customers dislike:
“Occasional syncing points between units, which could be a bit irritating when making an attempt to entry passwords on the go.”
– Keeper Overview, Jeovana D.
4. NordPass Enterprise
NordPass Enterprise is a cloud-based password supervisor designed for organizations, offering encrypted password storage, role-based entry controls, and safe password sharing throughout groups. It gives business-friendly options like listing integrations, exercise logs, and information breach monitoring, with sturdy encryption and zero-knowledge structure.
What G2 customers like greatest:
“NordPass makes it extremely simple to retailer, share, and handle passwords throughout the staff. The interface is clear and intuitive, which helped with quick adoption even for much less tech-savvy members. The zero-knowledge structure provides us peace of thoughts that our information stays safe. The flexibility to prepare credentials into folders, set entry permissions, and monitor utilization provides an ideal layer of management from an admin perspective.”
– NordPass Overview, Shang T.
What G2 customers dislike:
“There are a couple of small UX quirks, like occasional sync delays between units or needing to refresh to see a newly added merchandise. I’d additionally love deeper integrations with instruments like Azure AD or extra granular permission controls inside shared folders. However these are minor in comparison with how effectively the instrument works total.”
– NordPass Overview, Ali Okay.
5. Salesforce Platform
Salesforce Platform offers built-in authentication and person administration instruments to safe Salesforce apps and providers. Whereas it’s not a password supervisor, it helps SSO, MFA, OAuth2, and passwordless login choices by means of integrations with Salesforce Id and exterior identification suppliers like Microsoft Entra ID and Okta.
What G2 customers like greatest:
“Salesforce gives unmatched customization by means of its AppExchange, workflows, and automation instruments. It is extremely versatile and integrates effectively with exterior programs through APIs. The reporting and dashboard instruments are additionally sturdy, enabling detailed efficiency monitoring throughout groups.”
– Salesforce Platform Overview, Nabi R.
What G2 customers dislike:
“The platform will be overwhelming at first because of its complexity and big selection of options. Some duties require a steep studying curve or admin help, which might sluggish issues down for brand new customers.”
– Salesforce Platform Overview, Erika F.
Passwordless authentication: Ceaselessly requested questions (FAQs)
Have extra questions? Discover the solutions beneath.
Q1. What are examples of passwordless authentication?
Examples of passwordless authentication embody fingerprint scans, face recognition, safety keys (FIDO2), e mail magic hyperlinks, SMS one-time passwords, and authenticator apps. These strategies confirm customers with out passwords by utilizing biometrics, possession-based units, or time-sensitive codes to verify identification securely.
Q2. Is passwordless authentication secure?
Passwordless authentication is secure when utilizing sturdy strategies like biometrics and {hardware} safety keys. These strategies resist phishing and credential theft higher than passwords. Security is dependent upon safe machine storage, encrypted information transmission, and multi-factor fallback choices to stop unauthorized entry.
Q3. What’s the distinction between passwordless and MFA?
The primary distinction between passwordless authentication and MFA is that passwordless replaces passwords fully, whereas MFA provides layers on prime of a password. Passwordless makes use of biometrics or device-based verification alone. MFA combines a password with one other issue, like a code or fingerprint, for added safety.
This fall. What are the varieties of passwordless authentication strategies?
Forms of passwordless authentication strategies embody biometrics (fingerprints, facial recognition), {hardware} safety keys (FIDO2, YubiKey), magic hyperlinks despatched by e mail, and one-time codes despatched by SMS or authenticator apps. Every methodology confirms person identification with out requiring a password.
Q5. What are the advantages and challenges of passwordless authentication?
The advantages of passwordless authentication embody improved safety, sooner login, and higher person expertise. It reduces password theft and phishing dangers. Challenges embody machine dependency, person onboarding complexity, and compatibility with legacy programs. Success is dependent upon safe implementation and person schooling.
Q6. How does passwordless authentication examine to SSO?
The primary distinction between passwordless authentication and SSO is that passwordless removes passwords from the login course of, whereas SSO simplifies login by letting one password entry a number of programs. Passwordless focuses on eliminating passwords fully. SSO focuses on lowering repeated logins throughout providers.
Q7. Can legacy programs help passwordless login?
Legacy programs can help passwordless login with integration layers like identification suppliers, gateways, or adapters. These instruments bridge previous authentication protocols with trendy passwordless strategies. Nevertheless, some legacy programs lack compatibility, requiring upgrades or middleware to allow passwordless entry securely.
Q8. How does passwordless authentication enhance enterprise safety?
Passwordless authentication improves enterprise safety by eradicating passwords, that are widespread assault targets. It reduces dangers from phishing, credential theft, and password reuse. Utilizing biometrics, safety keys, and machine verification strengthens entry management. Enterprises achieve stronger safety towards unauthorized entry and information breaches.
Unlock with out typing. Strive passwordless now.
Whereas many distributors provide passwordless options, really eliminating passwords throughout an enterprise stays advanced, particularly in environments with legacy programs and numerous functions. To unlock the total advantages, organizations want options that help passwordless authentication wherever potential and ship a seamless, safe expertise the place passwords nonetheless exist behind the scenes.
The tip purpose? Customers by no means have to recollect or enter passwords, dramatically lowering phishing dangers and enhancing login flows. And the place passwords persist, they’re secured, rotated, and managed by machines, not individuals.
For enterprises able to take the subsequent step, exploring main Id and Entry Administration (IAM) software program might help construct a passwordless basis throughout your IT surroundings.
This text was initially printed in 2020 and has been up to date with content material.
