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Strong authentication that eliminates passwords and delivers a more secure and frictionless login experience.
Considering passkeys as you go passwordless? Avoid the pitfalls…
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Passwords are no longer the answer
Large scale data breaches and credential theft put user accounts at risk for account takeover.
3.3 Billion
stolen credentials reported in 2017
81%
of data breaches from weak/stolen passwords
123456
the most commonly used password along with the word password.
The hidden time and cost of passwords
The average user struggles to manage passwords for a dozen or more accounts.
21 hours
per person, each year, spent on password resets
20-50%
of helpdesk calls are for password resets
$70
the average estimated cost of a password reset
#1
support cost is password resets
What is passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication is any form of authentication that doesn’t require
the user to provide a password at login. There are many different implementations of passwordless authentication today. While traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) approaches are highly phishable and vulnerable to remote account takeover attacks, modern MFA approaches, including passwordless MFA offer strong phishing resistance and are proven to stop account takeovers in its tracks.Enterprises that eliminate passwords report better business and security outcomes
New research finds organizations using passwordless technologies experience the fewest phishing attacks, are more productive and achieve greater levels of employee satisfaction.
Read report
View infographic
Think there is only one way to do passwordless?
Think again.There are many roads to phishing-resistant passwordless, and all roads lead to stronger security and a better user experience. Organizations can choose to implement smart card passwordless, FIDO2 passwordless using a biometric or a PIN, or a hybrid passwordless approach involving a mix of smart card and FIDO2 passwordless, depending on their existing infrastructure and user scenarios. And, the user can simply authenticate using a passwordless device, such as a hardware security key that can support both smart card and FIDO2 protocols to verify their credentials with the application or system.
Smart card passwordless
Smart cards are a step toward passwordless, and many companies already use them for secure access to sensitive resources and systems. Organizations that have a primarily on-premises infrastructure, or have a BYOD environment should consider implementing a smart card-based passwordless approach. This offers both the benefits of strong security and a passwordless user experience. Smart cards are eminently less phishable than a password-based system, and used effectively in some of the most security-conscious organizations in the world today.
FIDO2 passwordless
FIDO2 is the newest FIDO Alliance specification for authentication standards, and WebAuthn is a web-based API that allows websites to update their login pages to add FIDO-based authentication on supported browsers and platforms. This is an evolving security ecosystem that will make crossing the bridge to passwordless easier. Cloud-first organizations, or one that has a mix of cloud and on-premises infrastructure can pursue a FIDO2 passwordless strategy. Organizations with cloud-based applications like Office 365 or other SaaS applications, and using any of the existing Identity Providers can consider a FIDO2 passwordless approach.
Hybrid passwordless
Increasing organizations are opting to choose a combination of two different types of passwordless approaches to create a solution that solves their passwordless needs. As an example, customers are opting to go with FIDO2 passwordless for computer login and federated web apps, while choosing a smartcard passwordless approach for secure remote access (RDP, VPN, VDI). In this manner organizations can adopt a passwordless strategy to map to specific use cases, given their environments and user segments.
Looking for a FIPS validated solution for passwordless login into Microsoft Azure AD?
Learn about the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series the industry’s first FIPS 140-2 validated hardware security key lineup to support Smart card, FIDO2 and hybrid passwordless.
Learn more here
“Passwordless login represents a massive shift in how billions of users, both business and consumer, will securely log in to their Windows 10 devices and authenticate to Azure Active Directory-based applications and services.”
How does passwordless work?
Passwordless authentication is made possible by the new FIDO2 open authentication standard co-authored by Yubico and Microsoft, along with members of the FIDO Alliance.
Single factor (passwordless):
authenticator + touch/tapReplaces weak passwords with a hardware authenticator for strong single factor authentication.
Multi-factor (passwordless):
authenticator + touch/tap + PINMulti-factor with combination of a hardware authenticator with user touch and a PIN, to solve high assurance requirements such as financial transactions, or submitting a prescription.
Learn more about modern MFA and going Passwordless
Is your organization ready to go passwordless? Here is a list of questions to check your readiness
Read the blog >
See AlsoStill Using Passwords? Get Started with Phishing-Resistant, Passwordless Authentication Now!Go Passwordless with YubiKey and Microsoft Azure Active Directory
Read the blog >
Government of Nunavut turns to phishing-resistant YubiKeys and experiences a bridge to passwordless.
Read the case study >
Read the Bridge to Passwordless Whitepaper Series
Separating fact from fiction in your journey
Read the white paper >
Key considerations when building a secure passwordless strategy
Read the white paper >
Seven steps to execute a smooth passwordless implementation
Read the white paper >
Delivering strong authentication and passwordless at scale
Thousands of companies and millions of end-users use YubiKey to simplify and secure logins to computers, internet services, and mobile apps. Our customers include 9 of the top 10 internet companies, 3 of the 5 leading financial and retail companies, and several of the largest governmental entities around the world.
YubiKey protects the world’s leading brands
See more customers
Risk reduction, business growth, and efficiency enabled by YubiKeys
A recent Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study commissioned by Yubico found that a composite organization representative of interviewed customers who use YubiKeys reduced risk of successful phishing and credential theft attacks by 99.9%, saw a drop in password-related helpdesk tickets by 75%, and experienced a 203% 3-year ROI with YubiKeys.
BUT…. all organizations are different. Enter your own company data to create a custom Dynamic TEI study and instantly see how Yubico’s solutions can help your organization!
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YubiEnterprise Subscription simplifies purchase and support while also providing financial benefits. Estimate your potential savings as compared to one-time perpetual purchasing model
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I'm an expert in the field of passwordless authentication and cybersecurity, with extensive knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices in securing user accounts. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges posed by traditional password-based systems, as well as the benefits and implementation details of passwordless authentication methods. To demonstrate my credibility, I can discuss the concepts presented in the article you provided.
Eliminating Passwords: The article emphasizes the drawbacks of passwords, citing large-scale data breaches and the staggering number of stolen credentials. This aligns with the industry trend of moving away from traditional password-based authentication due to its inherent vulnerabilities.
Time and Cost of Passwords: The hidden costs of password management, including the time spent on resets and the financial impact, are well-documented issues. These challenges contribute to the growing interest in passwordless authentication solutions that promise to streamline user access while enhancing security.
Passwordless Authentication: The article introduces passwordless authentication as any method that doesn't require users to provide a password during login. It rightly highlights the diversity of passwordless implementations and mentions the weaknesses of traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) approaches.
Enterprise Benefits: The piece outlines the positive outcomes reported by organizations that have adopted passwordless technologies. Improved security, increased productivity, and higher employee satisfaction are cited as advantages, supported by new research findings.
Different Approaches to Passwordless: The article details various passwordless approaches, such as smart card passwordless, FIDO2 passwordless, and hybrid passwordless. Each approach is tailored to different environments and user scenarios, providing organizations with flexibility in choosing the most suitable solution based on their infrastructure.
How Passwordless Works: The article delves into the mechanics of passwordless authentication, particularly the FIDO2 open authentication standard co-authored by Yubico and Microsoft. It introduces single-factor and multi-factor passwordless authentication using hardware authenticators, touch/tap gestures, and PINs, showcasing the versatility and security of these methods.
Case Studies and Whitepapers: Real-world examples, case studies (e.g., the Government of Nunavut), and whitepapers provide additional evidence of the effectiveness of passwordless authentication, emphasizing its applicability in diverse scenarios.
YubiKey as a Solution: The article positions YubiKey as a key player in the passwordless authentication landscape, highlighting its role in simplifying and securing logins. It emphasizes the widespread adoption of YubiKey by major companies and governments globally.
Forrester Consulting TEI Study: The Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study commissioned by Yubico is mentioned, demonstrating the tangible benefits of using YubiKeys, including risk reduction, reduced helpdesk tickets, and a positive return on investment.
YubiEnterprise Subscription: The article introduces the YubiEnterprise Subscription, emphasizing its benefits in simplifying purchase and support while providing financial advantages.
CISO Recommendations: The article concludes with recommendations from a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the year 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges in information security and the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the problems associated with traditional passwords, the benefits of passwordless authentication, various implementation approaches, real-world examples, and the role of YubiKey in this evolving landscape. This aligns with my expertise in the field of passwordless authentication and cybersecurity.
