What are passwordless accounts and how are they changing digital security?

Can you imagine accessing your online accounts without having to remember a single password? We're getting closer to that scenario. Technological advances and the evolution of cybersecurity are driving solutions that allow us to authenticate without relying on passwords, opting for simpler and more secure methods. If you're not familiar with terms like "passwordless authentication," "access keys," or "biometric verification," don't worry: here's the answer. The most complete and simple guide to understanding what passwordless accounts are and how they are changing the way we access our digital services.

Traditional passwords are losing ground in the face of the unstoppable emergence of alternative methods. The future of online security is marked by the need to simplify the user experience y, at the same time, raise the level of protection against cyberattacksIn this article, you'll learn what passwordless accounts are, how they work, what advantages they offer, the risks of current passwords, the most commonly used methods, the stance of major tech companies, and tips for starting to use them in your daily life.

What are passwordless accounts?

Accounts without a password are Digital profiles in which you can authenticate and access without having to enter a traditional password.Instead, they use alternative mechanisms, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, temporary codes, physical access keys, mobile devices, or confirmations sent to an app. This approach offers more advanced, secure, and user-friendly identity verification.

This revolution in authentication is the result of years of research and responds to a growing problem: Password theft and cyberattacks related to stolen credentialsAccording to recent studies, more than 80% of data breaches involve compromised passwords. Cybercriminals use all kinds of techniques (phishing, brute force, social engineering) to obtain them, and once successful, they can access numerous services by reusing the same password.

Passwordless authentication, also known as "passwordless authentication«, gives this system a twist: Users are no longer completely dependent on a combination of letters and numbers that they must remember and protect.Now, the key is replaced by something you have (your phone, a security key) or something you are (your biometric features).

Why are passwords no longer as secure?

For decades, passwords were the most common barrier to protecting access to digital accounts and data. However, Its effectiveness as an authentication method has been increasingly questioned.. Why? Mainly for these reasons:

• Susceptibility to brute force attacks: Hackers have automated programs that try millions of combinations until they find the right one.
• Weak or repeated passwords: Many people choose easy-to-guess passwords (like "123456" or their birthday) and reuse them across multiple accounts. If one is compromised, the rest are at risk as well.
• Phishing and credential theft: Cybercriminals send fake emails or create websites that trick users into revealing their password.
• Difficulty remembering or managing complex passwords: Excessive accounts force many to use the same password on different services or to store them in insecure locations.

These risks have prompted the search for methods that do away with static passwords and offer greater protection and convenience.That's why major technology and cybersecurity companies are fully committed to passwordless authentication.

How does passwordless authentication work?

The goal of passwordless authentication is to reliably verify your identity without having to enter a secret key every time you log in.To do this, use other, more secure authentication factors. These can be classified as:

• Something you have: For example, your mobile phone, a smart card, or a physical security key (such as a Yubikey or FIDO2-compatible device).
• Something you are: Your biometric features, such as your fingerprint, face, iris, or even your voice.

In practice, the process is usually like this:

1. You register for the service and set up one or more alternative access methods.
2. When you try to log in, the system asks you to use one of those methods (for example, a face unlock on your phone).
3. The system compares the information or biometric signal with the recorded information and, if it matches, allows you access.

One of the most widespread options currently are the access keys or "passkeys." They are based on a pair of cryptographic keys: a public key (stored on the server) and a private key (stored only on your device and not accessible by anyone else). Upon login, the server sends a mathematical challenge that only your private key can solve. So, even if an attacker obtained the public key, they wouldn't be able to access your account without the corresponding physical or biometric device.

Advantages of passwordless accounts

Passwordless authentication offers benefits for both users and businesses and administrations.:

• Greater security: Eliminate exposure to password-exploiting attacks, such as phishing or brute force. Biometric data is unique and much harder to replicate or steal.
• Improved user experience: You don't have to remember or change complex passwords. You can log in quickly using your fingerprint, face, or mobile device.
• Internal risk reduction: For businesses, there is less risk of data breaches or leaks due to poor employee password management.
• Regulatory compliance: Many regulations already require advanced and multi-factor authentication in critical sectors (banking, healthcare, public sector).
• Less frustration and technical support: The number of incidents related to access problems or recovery of lost keys is reduced.
• Scalability and cross-platform compatibility: Passwordless methods can be adapted to different devices and systems, facilitating access from anywhere.

This combination of convenience and security is driving more and more organizations to implement passwordless solutions on a massive scale., both for its employees and customers.

Main passwordless authentication methods

There is no single formula for eliminating passwords; Each organization or platform can choose one or more mechanisms depending on the type of user and context of use. These are the most popular:

• Biometrics: Access via fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning, or voice identification. Modern smartphones and laptops already incorporate sensors for this.
• Access keys (passkeys): Cryptographic keys are securely stored on the device. Users simply confirm the transaction with their biometrics.
• Authentication Apps: Apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or systems that generate push notifications requesting direct confirmation on the mobile.
• Physical security keys: USB devices, smart cards, or tokens that support standards such as FIDO2/WebAuthn.
• One-time codes (OTP): Although they still use a shared “secret,” they are temporary and used only once, reducing risks if the code is intercepted.

The integration of biometrics and access keys, along with protocols such as FIDO2/WebAuthn, is the current trend in many services.This promotes interoperability and security across different devices and platforms.

How is passwordless authentication different from 2FA and OTP?

It is important to distinguish between passwordless authentication and two-factor authentication (2FA) or one-time passwords (OTP). 2FA requires two pieces of evidence to confirm identity.: something you know (password) and something you have (mobile, code, token). OTP generate temporary codes, often sent by SMS or generated in an app, to add an extra barrier.

Passwordless authentication goes one step further: eliminates the need to remember or enter any shared secrets (no password or temporary code). Access is based on factors such as biometrics or device ownership. Thus, the weakness of "something you know" disappears, making attackers' work significantly more difficult.

In traditional 2FA systems, you would enter your password and then a verification code; however, with the Passwordless, you just have to approve access with your fingerprint, face, or accept the notification in the app., simplifying the process and strengthening security.

Real-life implementation: How Microsoft and Google do it

Big tech is leading the transition to passwordless authentication.Both Microsoft and Google already offer advanced options for removing passwords on their services.

Microsoft allows you to remove your account password and authenticate using methods such as:

• Microsoft Authenticator (app on mobile)
• Windows Hello (biometric recognition on Windows PCs)
• Physical security keys
• Codes sent by SMS

Google Enables the use of access keys in its organizations, allowing employees to log in using only their mobile phone, a security key, or biometric recognition, synchronizing these methods across different devices and restricting them to verified hardware.

Before disabling passwords, it's recommended to have all devices updated and backup methods properly configured. Platforms offer tools to manage incidents, such as lost or replaced devices.

What happens if you lose your device or have access problems?

One of the main concerns is what happens if you lose your mobile phone, the physical key or if the biometric sensor failsFor this reason, passwordless systems typically allow for the association of multiple backup methods and devices. Here are some tips:

• Set up more than one authentication method (such as a mobile and backup key).
• Use apps or services that allow you to revoke access in case of loss or theft.
• Change your methods if you suspect your device has been compromised.

Centralized management on the platform's dashboards makes it easy to review and update configured methods, as well as providing support in the event of an incident.

Which sectors and companies are opting for passwordless accounts?

The push to abandon passwords comes from sectors that handle sensitive dataBanking, healthcare, the public sector, and education are adopting passwordless solutions to comply with regulations and protect information. Growing workforce mobility and remote work are also driving their adoption. Furthermore, e-commerce companies, cloud services, and digital platforms see these methods as an opportunity to improve the user experience and strengthen user trust.

Potential risks and challenges of passwordless authentication

Like any innovation, passwordless authentication presents challenges and vulnerabilities.:

• Device dependency: Loss or theft requires well-implemented backup methods.
• Privacy and protection of biometric data: Although stored locally, there are always debates about their safe handling.
• Vulnerabilities in mobile phones and SIMs: SIM theft, impersonation, or malware can compromise these methods.
• Compatibility with legacy platforms: Some systems do not yet support these methods, requiring the use of passwords in certain cases.

It is critical that organizations plan the transition with adequate technical support and user training to avoid problems and ensure a safe adoption.