Traditional password systems were once considered a reliable method for ensuring online security. However, in an era where “12345” remains an all-too-common password choice and users often reuse them, it’s clear that passwords are inherently flawed and fail to provide sufficient security. Unsurprisingly, over 80% of confirmed breaches account for password-related issues, indicating the critical need for alternative solutions to address these weaknesses.
To combat cybersecurity threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering, passwordless technologies have emerged as promising alternatives. These innovative authentication methods, such as magic links and passkeys, eliminate static passwords, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and credential theft. But despite this, their rise to mainstream adoption has been slow thus far.
By embracing passwordless technologies, organizations can create a more secure online environment that safeguards sensitive information while simultaneously enhancing the user experience.
Authentication with magic links
Magic links are an increasingly popular method of passwordless authentication that offers users a seamless alternative to traditional login processes. Unlike passwords, which require users to create and remember complex credentials, magic links simplify authentication by sending a unique, one-time-use link directly to the user’s registered email address.
The process starts when a user enters their email address into a login form. The backend service generates a unique token and attaches it to a URL, creating the “magic link.” This link is sent to the user’s email, where they can simply click it to access the desired service or application. The server then verifies the token and logs in the user, providing a seamless and secure authentication experience.
Magic links offer several advantages over traditional password-based authentication. They simplify the login process, eliminating the need to remember passwords or install additional authentication apps. And each link expires after a single use or a set period, preventing unauthorized access.
While magic links offer an appealing alternative to conventional passwords and “forgot password” links, it is important to consider potential drawbacks. First, magic links hinge on the security of the user’s email account, meaning a compromised email could jeopardize all services using magic links. Second, some email providers may pre-fetch all links, potentially expiring magic links prematurely.
Phishing attacks also pose a significant risk, as users may fall victim to malicious links impersonating magic links. Educating users on identifying authentic magic links and raising awareness about such threats is essential for mitigating risks.
Defining passkeys
Passkeys, a standard promoted by the World Wide Consortium and the FIDO Alliance, have recently emerged as a transformative authentication method for websites and applications.
At their core, passkeys are cryptographic keys consisting of a public key registered with the online service or app and a private key securely stored on the user’s device, such as a smartphone or computer. By replacing traditional username/password combinations, passkeys maintain robust security without requiring complex passwords. The private key remains inaccessible to unauthorized parties, while the public key is used for authentication, ensuring only authorized access, leading to better security.
Stronger authentication, easier process
An important component of the passkeys ecosystem is the Relying Party (RP), which represents the online service or app relying on passkeys for user authentication. This partnership between user devices and the RP establishes secure and passwordless interactions, protecting the user’s identity.
Another part is the Client to Authenticator Protocol, a specification that defines how to establish communication between the browser and the authenticator device. Whether using biometric sensors or specialized security keys, the protocol facilitates the exchange of information to verify identity with confidence.
Despite their strong cryptographic foundations, passkeys are incredibly user-friendly. Users can log in using familiar smartphone authentication methods, including facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a personal identification number.
Prominent companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Best Buy have led the charge in integrating passkey support into their authentication systems. In fact, recently, X (Twitter) added passkey support in response to the high-profile hack of the SEC’s X account that led to the unauthorized posting of information regarding Bitcoin ETF approval.
As passkeys continue to gain traction, they represent a significant leap forward in authentication technology, offering a secure and streamlined solution for protecting sensitive data in an increasingly digital world.
Charting a course for passwordless authentication
Relying solely on static passwords has proven ineffective in protecting sensitive data from various threats. However, the emergence of passwordless technologies like passkeys and magic links offers a solution that addresses the weaknesses of traditional authentication methods and enhances user experience and security. By adopting passkeys, magic links, and other innovative authentication methods, organizations can create a future of secure and seamless online interactions.
Brian Pontarelli is the founder and CEO of FusionAuth, a fast-growing customer authentication and authorization platform built by developers for developers. With a deep passion for coding that started at a young age, Brian honed his skills while studying computer engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. An engineer at heart, he held several engineering roles to start his career, including at BEA and Orbitz, and served in a leadership role for Denver Startup Week.
In 2007, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found his first company, Cleanspeak, an online content moderation platform. As online experiences evolved, he realized there was a gap in the login and authentication market, so he launched FusionAuth in 2018 to address the challenges companies faced with a scalable, customizable solution. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brian is an avid golfer and whiskey enthusiast.
