Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a security method that verifies user identity without requiring traditional passwords, instead using alternative factors like biometrics, hardware tokens, or magic links. It aims to eliminate password-related vulnerabilities such as phishing, weak passwords, and credential stuffing attacks. This approach enhances user experience by reducing friction during login while improving overall security posture.
Developers should implement passwordless authentication when building applications requiring high security and user convenience, such as financial services, healthcare platforms, or enterprise SaaS products. It's particularly valuable for reducing support costs related to password resets and mitigating risks from data breaches involving stolen credentials. Use cases include mobile apps with biometric login, email-based magic links for web applications, and hardware security keys for critical systems.