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Passwordless Authentication - Overview

What is Passwordless Authentication​

Identity Email Security

  • Passwordless authentication verifies user identity without requiring passwords, using alternatives like biometrics, hardware tokens or magic links for secure access.

  • Common approaches include FIDO2/WebAuthn for device-bound public-key cryptography, passkeys stored on devices, biometrics like fingerprints or face ID, and on—time codes sent to trusted devices. These methods rely on “something you have” or “something you are”, often combined with possession proofs to prevent phishing

  • Passwordless eliminates password-related risks such as cracking, stuffing, and fatigue, reducing breaches while boosting productivity through faster logins and fewer resets. It lowers IT costs by cutting helpdesk tickets and simplifies compliance by minimizing credential storage.

Why is it so important?​

  • Eliminates Phishing & Theft: No shared secret to steal or phish—public-key crypto (e.g., FIDO2) ties auth to devices, blocking 99.9% of credential attacks like stuffing or prompt bombing.

  • Reduces Attack Surface: Ends weak/reused passwords (81% of breaches involve compromised creds); supports Zero Trust with continuous device/behavior checks.

  • ​Frictionless User Experience: Instant biometrics/push vs. typing—cuts fatigue, onboarding drop-off by 50%, boosts productivity without MFA bombing.

  • Cost Savings: Slashes helpdesk tickets (40% are resets), lowers breach remediation (avg $4.5M), simplifies IT ops (no rotation/resets).

  • Scalability: Easier for enterprises managing thousands; integrates SSO/IGA for hybrid Linux/Windows setups.

How to position?​

  • Position it as the future-proof evolution of Zero Trust access, slashing 81% of breaches from stolen credentials with phishing-proof methods like FIDO2/biometrics, while delivering 3x faster logins and 50% helpdesk savings—essential for SMEs scaling IAM without passwords' drag.

  • Microsoft partners can easily connect FIDO2 tokens to user accounts. This gives them a security uplift, while users can log in without grabbing their phone for MFA Authenticator applications, or resetting their password because they forgot

  • Organisations where the employees don't get a corporate phone. If an employee doesn't have a corporate phone, sometimes they refuse to install applications (such as Microsoft Authenticator). Giving them a FIDO2 key is much more easy/cost-effective than giving them a smartphone.