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Password-Only Authentication vs Passwordless Authentication

Developers should learn password-only authentication for implementing basic access control in applications where simplicity and low cost are priorities, such as internal tools or low-risk websites meets developers should implement passwordless authentication when building applications requiring high security and user convenience, such as financial services, healthcare platforms, or enterprise saas products. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Password-Only Authentication

Developers should learn password-only authentication for implementing basic access control in applications where simplicity and low cost are priorities, such as internal tools or low-risk websites

Password-Only Authentication

Nice Pick

Developers should learn password-only authentication for implementing basic access control in applications where simplicity and low cost are priorities, such as internal tools or low-risk websites

Pros

  • +It is essential for understanding foundational security principles, but should be supplemented with stronger methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive data, as passwords alone are vulnerable to attacks like brute force or phishing
  • +Related to: multi-factor-authentication, password-hashing

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Passwordless Authentication

Developers should implement passwordless authentication when building applications requiring high security and user convenience, such as financial services, healthcare platforms, or enterprise SaaS products

Pros

  • +It's particularly valuable for reducing support costs related to password resets and mitigating risks from data breaches involving stolen credentials
  • +Related to: multi-factor-authentication, oauth-2.0

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Password-Only Authentication if: You want it is essential for understanding foundational security principles, but should be supplemented with stronger methods like multi-factor authentication (mfa) for sensitive data, as passwords alone are vulnerable to attacks like brute force or phishing and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Passwordless Authentication if: You prioritize it's particularly valuable for reducing support costs related to password resets and mitigating risks from data breaches involving stolen credentials over what Password-Only Authentication offers.

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The Bottom Line
Password-Only Authentication wins

Developers should learn password-only authentication for implementing basic access control in applications where simplicity and low cost are priorities, such as internal tools or low-risk websites

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