Passwordless Authentication: A Method Soon To Be Expected On The Web?

If the year 2020 was particularly marked by the global pandemic, other news also shook the web. Among these, authentication without a password has not failed to generate debate. Indeed, some specialists affirmed that a possible generalization in 2022 was possible. Other experts spoke of the use of a password manager as a solution destined to grow. What is it like these days?

What The Experts Announced In 2020

Historically, passwords have been used as essential identifiers to access a resource, whether digital or not. Thus, the abolition of passwords seems unthinkable by the majority of Internet users. And especially when cybercrime continues to grow every year.

For the sake of optimizing online services, many experts said in 2020 that the phasing out of passwords would be a possibility to be taken seriously. Other methods such as fingerprint verification or facial scan are technologies that have been in use for several years already.

Unfortunately, these are only applicable in specific cases. And browsing the web is no exception to these given situations. The installation of a password manager would therefore be a relevant answer.

Moreover, how to explain this apparent need to delete passwords yet effective at first glance?

Why Remove Passwords?

Contrary to popular belief, passwords are methods that suffer from certain imperfections.

First of all, the creation of a password often evokes problems for Internet users. Indeed, choosing an “easy to remember” password can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Unfortunately, selecting a password associated with a birth date or a child’s first name is a widely verified practice.

On the other hand, many online services impose strict conditions to maximize the complexity of the passwords used. However, such solutions cause another problem: the comfort of use for Internet users. Indeed, emails associated with forgotten passwords are sent by tens of thousands every day to the point of simply discouraging more and more users.

And that’s not all: how can we not mention the numerous password leaks observed every year? This evokes, for example, the disclosure of more than 8 billion passwords, one news among others which increasingly affects the confidence of Internet users. And this feeling seems legitimate.

Also Read: Your Guide To Staying Safe On The Internet

A Major Player In Search Of Alternative Solutions

If the forecasts of many experts in 2020 have shaken up the web world, Microsoft has also ignited the powder by affirming its plan to abandon identification by passwords. The American giant then looked at various more or less relevant solutions to guarantee Internet users optimal security without affecting their comfort of use. These include recently tested connection methods via a smartphone. The principle? Validate your identity from an Android or iOS app to access Office, Outlook or Skype.

Unfortunately, authentication without a password cannot guarantee complete security for users. Indeed, the world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, as are the means of hackers. Thus, by attacking a Wi-Fi network used by a smartphone, such solutions could show their weaknesses. The race for cybersecurity experts and hackers is tough and ongoing.

Any Changes Planned For 2022?

While passwordless authentication has not replaced traditional methods in 2021, some sites and services are testing alternative solutions. These could become generalized in 2022 and correspond to the trends mentioned above.

Nevertheless, the use of a password manager remains, to this day, the most efficient and least restrictive method for securing access to an account. Other means could emerge over the next few years to the delight of Internet users. In the meantime, prioritizing the complexity of your passwords remains essential.