The average internet user juggles dozens of passwords. Now imagine having to create dozens of passwords for these accounts, for most users, that’s not likely to happen.
More importantly, the burden of managing them all leads to shortcuts—like using “123456” or a “password”—that compromise security. However, with the use of passkeys; a new technology, users can authenticate and secure their accounts against hackers.
According to recent studies, passkeys have shown promising results in improving security and user experience. A survey conducted by cybersecurity firm LastPass found that 66% of IT professionals believe passphrases are more secure than traditional passwords.
In this article, we looked into the rise of passkeys, the problem with passwords, and the future of authentication: biometrics.
The Rise of Passkeys: A New Era in Authentication
Passkeys, also known as passwordless authentication, is a departure from the usual practice of memorizing complex passwords. But what exactly are they? Imagine logging into each of your accounts as effortlessly as unlocking your phone—with either a touch of your fingerprint or a glance at your face. With passkeys, instead of relying on alphanumeric combinations, you leverage other factors for identity verification. These factors include:
Biometrics: Facial recognition, fingerprint scans, and even retina patterns are becoming commonplace. They offer a unique and difficult-to-replicate way of proving one’s identity.
Hardware Tokens: Devices like USB security keys or smart cards act as physical keys to unlock digital doors. They’re portable, durable, and immune to phishing attacks.
According to a recent survey by Ponemon Institute, 62% of organizations have already implemented passwordless authentication or plan to do so within the next year. The allure is clear: organizations want enhanced security, reduced reliance on memory, and a smoother user experience.
The Password Problem: Why Change Is Necessary
Despite the widespread use of passwords, they have significant drawbacks that make them susceptible to exploitation by cybercriminals. One of the biggest issues with passwords is their vulnerability to brute-force attacks, where attackers systematically try different combinations of characters until they crack the password. In addition, passwords are often reused across multiple accounts, increasing the risk of credential stuffing.
Furthermore, the rise in sophisticated hacking techniques, such as brute-force attacks and password spraying, has rendered traditional password-based authentication ineffective. As a result, businesses and organizations are faced with the challenge of balancing convenience with security – a fine balance that is often difficult to maintain when using passwords.
Biometrics: The Future of Authentication
In addition to passkeys, biometrics are emerging as a powerful authentication technology that offers both security and convenience. Biometrics utilize unique physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice patterns, to verify a user's identity.
One of the key benefits of biometrics is their inherent uniqueness, making them extremely difficult to forge or spoof.
Notably, the era of traditional passwords is coming to an end and organizations' are increasingly recognizing the need for more secure and user-friendly authentication methods. Passkeys offer a promising alternative to passwords, providing enhanced security and usability for users.
We at UNICCON Group are about providing services that help organizations and businesses embrace innovative technology and robust cybersecurity measures.
Contact us today at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help protect your business and stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.
