Think passwordless is too complicated? Let’s clear that up
By Janet Ho, Cisco Duo
Why passwords are still a problem
We’ve relied on passwords for years to protect our online accounts, but they’ve also become one of the easiest ways attackers get in. Many people reuse or simplify passwords, or even write them down because it’s hard to remember so many. That makes it easier for attackers to take advantage of stolen or reused credentials, and even worse, one stolen password can sometimes unlock several accounts.
Did you know? According to Forbes, 244 million passwords were leaked on a single crime forum, and half of the world’s internet users have been exposed to reuse attacks.
That’s why passwordless authentication is becoming so important. It lets you prove who you are without typing a password, using things like your fingerprint, face, or a security key on your device. This makes sign-ins easier for you and harder for attackers to fake, helping protect against phishing and stolen or weak passwords.
Clearing up the biggest myths about passwordless
Even with all these benefits, a few common myths still make people hesitate about going passwordless. Let’s clear them up.
It’s easy to assume that “passwordless” means skipping an important layer of protection.
In reality, passwordless is multi-factor. It verifies who you are using both your device and something only you can provide like your fingerprint or PIN.
When you log in, your device unlocks a unique digital key that never leaves it. Your fingerprint, face or PIN is only checked locally, not sent online. This makes it nearly impossible for attackers to steal or fake your login, the same strength as MFA, just without the password hassle.
A PIN might look like a password, but it doesn’t work the same way. Instead of being sent over the internet or stored on a company server, your PIN only unlocks your device locally. That means there’s nothing for attackers to steal or guess remotely.
Even a short PIN can be strong because your device limits how many times someone can try it. An attacker would have to physically possess your device to even attempt it. If you want extra protection, you can use a biometric like a fingerprint or face scan instead.
Biometrics sometimes get a bad reputation because people remember early flaws or scary headlines like phones that could be fooled by photos or fake fingerprints. Those issues came from outdated, low-cost sensors that were easier to trick.
Modern systems like Face ID and Windows Hello use 3D mapping, infrared light and “liveness” detection to make spoofing extremely difficult. In passwordless authentication, your fingerprint or face simply unlocks a private key stored on your device. That key never leaves your phone or computer and can’t be reused on other sites. Because biometrics are checked locally, not online, they block the remote attacks that plague passwords.
Some worry that using biometrics means handing over personal data that could be stolen. That concern usually comes from news about biometric surveillance, where information is stored in large central databases.
Passwordless authentication works differently. Your biometric stays on your device and is only used to unlock a local security key — it’s never uploaded, shared, or compared against a massive database.
The difference matters. Surveillance biometrics identify you remotely by matching your data against millions of records. Authentication biometrics, like Face ID or Windows Hello, simply confirm that you are the one holding your own device. That local check is what keeps your biometric private and safe.
A truly phishing-resistant passwordless system has a few built-in protections against modern phishing techniques.
Each login uses a unique digital key that stays on your device and never gets sent to the website. Even if someone builds a fake login page, there’s nothing to steal or reuse. That’s because passwordless systems check that you’re on the real website, not a look-alike page. Your browser does that check automatically before letting your device complete the login.
And only trusted software on your device can trigger your authenticator to approve a login. Hidden apps or push-phishing attempts can’t reach it.
Together, these protections make phishing far harder and, in most cases, stop it completely.
The bottom line: Easier, safer sign-ins for everyone
Passwordless isn’t just a new way to log in. It’s a safer, simpler way to protect what matters most. Whether at home or at work, taking small steps toward passwordless helps reduce risk and makes security easier for everyone.
Learn more about the myths and read the full report on Busting Passwordless Myths.
Take the next step and check out 5 Step Path to Passwordless ebook.
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