Is passwordless authentication safe?

Passwords used to be considered the gatekeepers of digital identity, yet they've turned out to be one of its weakest links. From reused credentials and phishing to brute-force attacks, passwords continue to expose organizations to breaches and hours of administrative overhead.

Passwordless authentication promises to change that. By removing passwords entirely, it offers a safer, friction-free way to prove a user's identity. But the question remains—is passwordless authentication truly safe?

Common passwordless authentication methods

Passwordless authentication replaces traditional passwords with secure, user-specific verification factors such as:

• Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition)

• Push notifications or hardware tokens

• FIDO2 and passkey-based authentication

Instead of relying on something a user remembers, passwordless systems verify identity through something they are or have. This eliminates credential-based attacks such as brute-force, dictionary attacks, keylogging, and more.

Why passwordless authentication is considered safer 

Here's why passwordless authentication can be considered secure for organizations:

1. Eliminates password-based attacks
   No passwords mean no phishing, credential stuffing, or brute-force attempts.

2. Uses strong cryptography
   Public-key cryptography ensures that even if a database is compromised, no reusable credentials are exposed.

3. Reduces human error
   Users don’t need to remember or reset complex passwords, reducing IT workload.

4. Enhances identity assurance
   Device- or context-based verification—like IP or location checks—adds another layer of trust.

Expert tips: The NIST 2025 guidelines   on passwordless authentication

In July 2025, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its updated Digital Identity Guidelines (SP 800-63, Revision 4). This edition cements passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication as the new standard for securing digital identities.

NIST now emphasizes the use of cryptographic and device-bound authenticators, such as passkeys, FIDO2 keys, and synced credentials, that verify identity without relying on memorized passwords. Traditional credentials alone no longer meet higher Authenticator Assurance Levels (AAL2/AAL3) unless paired with contextual checks.

For enterprises, adopting passwordless login methods isn’t just about convenience—it’s about compliance and resilience. Implementing passkeys, biometric verification, or secure link-based authentication aligns identity systems with NIST’s latest best practices for assurance and phishing resistance.

Simply put, passwordless authentication is not only safe—it’s slowly becoming the expected baseline for advanced, compliance-aligned identity security.

Factors to consider before going passwordless 

While passwordless authentication reduces the risks associated with traditional passwords, it’s not entirely immune to threats. Understanding these potential risks and preparing for them ensures a truly secure passwordless authentication flow.

Common attack methods in passwordless systems:

• Session hijacking: Attackers may intercept active authentication sessions if the communication channel isn’t properly encrypted.

• Device compromise: A stolen or malware-infected device could enable unauthorized access if strong device binding or PIN protection is absent.

• Phishing of magic links or push prompts: Users can still be tricked into clicking malicious links or approving fraudulent authentication requests.

• Push fatigue attacks: Repeated push notifications can desensitize users, leading them to approve illegitimate logins.

How to mitigate these risks:

• Use device binding and encryption: Ensure authenticators are cryptographically tied to specific devices and all communications use TLS.

• Implement contextual and conditional access: Verify trust based on device type, IP, location, and time before granting access.

• Educate users continuously: Regular awareness training helps users identify phishing attempts.

• Layer MFA where necessary: Combine shared secret methods with biometrics or hardware tokens for critical systems.

• Enforce session timeouts and reauthentication: Limit session duration and reauthenticate users after inactivity or sensitive operations.

Passwordless vs. traditional authentication  

How ADSelfService Plus enables secure passwordless authentication

ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus brings the benefits of passwordless authentication safely to enterprise environments. It offers multiple secure login methods—including biometric verification, mobile push approvals, hardware tokens, and secure links via e-mail—so users can verify their identity quickly and confidently.

The platform’s conditional access policies allow administrators to control how, when, and from where users log in—based on device, IP, or location—while multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an added layer of protection across Windows, macOS, VPNs, and cloud applications.

Together, these capabilities empower organizations to reduce password fatigue, enhance compliance, and embrace a passwordless future without sacrificing security or user convenience.

With ADSelfService Plus, passwordless authentication isn’t just safe—it’s strategic.