Can the future really be completely without passwords? According to Microsoft, that's exactly where we're headed - towards an everyday where post-it notes and the question 'forgotten password' are replaced with accessibility and smart solutions.

Two-factor authentication is one of the most popular approaches to reducing the risk of security breaches. Combining passwords with one-time codes (OTP), SMS, calls, and biometrics (face and fingerprints), Microsoft claims this will reduce attacks by 99.9%. And those are good numbers.

Microsoft continues to develop methods to make our lives even easier. Both at home and at work. They believe that passwords should be a thing of the past as technology continues to evolve, culminating in the latest Ignite conference. There, Microsoft announced a new way to validate users: Passwordless Authentication in Azure Active Directory.

Why go passwordless?

Before we delve into how you can start your passwordless journey, here's a graph illustrating Microsoft's stance on passwordless authentication VS. password and two-factor authentication:

Microsoft believes that passwords make it easy for hackers to access your account, since it's something that can be guessed. From the illustration, we can see that multi-factor authentication is very secure, but not very convenient. Passwords can be easily forgotten, but it can also be clumsy and cumbersome to chase after the person who has received a code on their mobile.

On the other hand, passwordless authentication is both secure and convenient, not only for users, but also for IT administrators. Simply because this will reduce the time spent on resetting forgotten passwords.

Here are some of the benefits of passwordless authentication:

1. Increased security: The risk of phishing and other attacks is reduced by eliminating passwords as an entry point for hackers.

2. Better user experience: A convenient way for users to access their data securely from anywhere.

3. Powerful insights: Administrators can capture users' passwordless activity with robust audit and logging capabilities.

IT provider with full or shared responsibility?

Passwordless authentication is a gift when it comes to both user-friendliness and security for organizations. However, before diving into this new IT-secure world, you should carefully consider your business needs and calculate what will be the best method for you.

Regardless of what you choose, a strong defense against IT threats should be a priority for all organizations. Since all organizations are different and have different IT solutions, you can choose between full or shared responsibility with us. Our IT experts guide you to a safe and secure IT everyday.