Passwords represent a key to all your digital assets. Would like that key to be handed to a random stranger? Not really, hence there has been a constant transition in the way passwords are used and attacked. As tech experts, we understand an attack on a user’s account could have long term repercussions. Therefore, we advise users to let go of traditional password practices and evolve with time.
Passwordless systems happen to be the new-age solution to keep your accounts secure. This is an authentication method that allows you access your account without the use of a traditional password that you had set manually.
This method functions on the authentication code generated from a device such as authenticator app, one-time code, or biometric recognition. These passwordless systems keep you away from cyber threats such malware attacks, phishing, and credential stuffing to name a few.
Passwordless systems reduce the IT hassles of changing your password every now and then. This system helps minimize IT costs and provide better user experience.
Biometric Authentication: A biometric system with fingerprint, face recognition, or voice recognition can be used to go passwordless. All you need to do is install a reliable application or system that complies with the privacy concerns.
One-Time Passcode: You can install authenticator applications that send you one-time codes through email, SMS, or the application itself. This makes it convenient to log in to all your accounts without compromising your security.
Magic Links: A one-time link is shared with you through SMS, or email. You can click on the link to log in into your account.
Ever wondered how did we reach this stage of passwordless?
We have travelled a long way from 2005 to 2025 from using a simple password to now going passwordless.
Let’s take a glimpse of the transitions that occurred in passwords from 2005 to 2025:
2005- Easy Password Days
A combination of birthdays, pet names, parents’ names, or the most common 123456 was frequently used during this era. Online platforms had fewer password restrictions, and you had negligible fear of your account getting hacked.
2010: Awareness and Surge in Breaches
Several popular companies, such as Target, Sony, and others, experience major breaches due to weak passwords, which was a wake-up call for everyone. Users adopted password hygiene habits where they used a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters.
However, users preferred predictable passwords, such as Password1! Or name@1234, as they are easy to remember and suitable for all accounts.
A few companies preferred implementation of a two-factor authentication (2FA) method, which was more secure at that time, but not for individual users.
2015: Arrival Of Password Manager
These password habits had their shortcomings, and hence, it was challenging to constantly cope with the constant attacks on accounts. Simultaneously, employees struggled to manage, remember, and create secure passwords for multiple accounts. This is when users began to use tools such as 1Password to generate and save passwords securely.
There was a time we introduced backup email addresses and security questions as recovery techniques. With time, they turned out to be unreliable as well.
2020: Common Use of Multifactor Authentication
The world experienced a different lifestyle during this time due to the pandemic. Companies worldwide struggled to stay operational. We assisted several companies in adopting a remote work environment.
This dynamic environment was susceptible to several cybersecurity threats. Multifactor authentication (MFA) was used to secure business systems. Employees or users could now authenticate using authenticator apps, SMS codes, and biometric verifications.
Companies invested in passwordless authentication, such as hardware tokens, biometrics, and others, to secure their data.
2025: Next-Gen Password Generation Techniques
Today, we can’t say passwords are disappearing, but they are used in different forms to keep systems and accounts secure. Companies are going passwordless, they function on one-time passwords, physical security keys, or biometrics to access accounts. This way, users are no longer using traditional password habits and are compelled to evolve to beat the modern cyber threats.
Skip the traditional password routes and adopt the new way to go passwordless.
Yogesh Yagnik is the Sr. VP Information Security and Data Protection Officer at Anunta. With over three decades in the industry, he has diverse experience in Information Technology, Information Security, Infrastructure Technology Services, and Project Management across industry verticals and geographies.