Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a security method that verifies a user's identity without requiring them to enter a traditional password. Instead, it relies on alternative factors such as biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition), possession-based methods (hardware tokens, mobile devices), or cryptographic keys (WebAuthn, FIDO2). This approach aims to eliminate password-related vulnerabilities like phishing, weak passwords, and credential reuse.
Developers should implement passwordless authentication to enhance security and user experience, particularly for applications handling sensitive data (e.g., banking, healthcare) or requiring high usability (e.g., consumer apps). It reduces attack surfaces by removing passwords, which are often the weakest link, and can streamline login processes, making it ideal for modern web and mobile applications where convenience and security are priorities.