World Passwordless Day: The Problem with Passwords and the Case for Passwordless Authentication

23 Jun 2023

Passwords have long been a crucial line of defence for securing online accounts. However, they present a myriad of problems that compromise security and convenience. One major issue is the prevalence of weak passwords, such as “123456” or “password,” which are easily guessable and vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Moreover, many individuals resort to using the same password across multiple platforms, amplifying the risk of a single data breach compromising multiple accounts.

To address these challenges, there is a growing movement towards passwordless authentication, which eliminates the need for traditional passwords and replaces them with more secure and user-friendly alternatives. Passwordless authentication methods rely on biometrics and multi-factor authentication techniques to verify user identities.

Biometrics, such as fingerprint, face, and iris recognition, offer distinct advantages over passwords. They are unique to individuals, difficult to forge or replicate, and inherently tied to the user’s physical characteristics. Biometrics provide a more robust and reliable means of authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by combining multiple verification factors, such as something you know (password or PIN), something you have (a physical token or smartphone), or something you are (biometric). This approach makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorised access, even if they manage to obtain one authentication factor.

Among various biometric modalities, finger vein technology stands out as one of the most secure and accurate options. Finger veins are unique to each person and are virtually impossible to replicate or spoof. The pattern of veins beneath the skin’s surface is captured using infrared light, ensuring reliable and highly accurate identification. Compared to other biometrics, finger vein technology is less susceptible to external factors like dirt, moisture, or minor injuries, making it a robust and reliable choice for authentication.

By adopting passwordless authentication, individuals and organisations can reap numerous benefits. Firstly, it simplifies the authentication process, enhancing user experience and reducing the need to remember complex passwords. This convenience leads to higher user adoption rates and decreases the likelihood of users resorting to insecure practices.

Additionally, passwordless authentication significantly strengthens security. With biometrics and multi-factor authentication, the risk of unauthorised access due to stolen or weak passwords is greatly diminished. It also mitigates the impact of data breaches, as stolen passwords become irrelevant without the corresponding biometric or additional authentication factors.

Embracing biometrics, such as finger vein technology, and employing multi-factor authentication can provide robust security, improve user experience, and ultimately enhance the overall safety of online accounts and digital systems.

The Hitachi Digital Security Portfolio, including VeinID, offers a comprehensive range of solutions designed to meet the security needs of businesses in the digital era, establishing a secure digital environment that protects the integrity and confidentiality of their digital operations.