Authentication methods that eliminate passwords, using biometrics, security keys, or device-based factors.
Passwordless authentication eliminates passwords entirely, using alternative factors—biometrics (fingerprint, face), hardware security keys (FIDO2), or device-bound credentials (Windows Hello, passkeys). Passwordless improves security (no passwords to steal or guess) and user experience (no passwords to remember or type). Microsoft, Google, and Apple are pushing passwordless adoption through passkeys. Passwordless is the future of authentication, though transition takes time.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Passwords are a fundamental weakness—they're stolen, guessed, reused, and forgotten. Passwordless authentication eliminates these problems. Plan for passwordless adoption as technology and support mature.