PasswordlessKonzept

PasswordlessKonzept refers to approaches for user authentication that do not rely on passwords. The core aim is to reduce or eliminate password-based vulnerabilities by replacing passwords with factors tied to a user’s possession, inherent characteristics, or trusted devices, supported by standardized protocols.

In practice, passwordless methods rely mainly on two factors: possession (hardware security keys, mobile devices acting as authenticators) and inherence (biometric recognition such as fingerprint or Face ID). A separate knowledge factor is typically used only for enrollment or recovery, not as the primary authentication channel.

Key technologies include FIDO2 and WebAuthn (and CTAP for external authenticators). These standards define protocol flows and public-key cryptography to verify a user’s identity without transmitting passwords. Other approaches include magic links or one-time codes, but these are less secure and increasingly deprecated in favor of phishing-resistant methods.

Benefits of passwordless concepts include stronger protection against phishing and credential stuffing, an improved login experience, and potentially lower helpdesk costs due to fewer password-related issues.

Challenges involve device loss and the need for robust recovery processes, compatibility across platforms, privacy considerations, the cost of hardware tokens, potential vendor lock-in, and broader data protection concerns. Successful adoption requires careful planning of governance, risk assessment, migration paths, and accessible fallback options for users without ready devices.