Serious Discussion Passwordless Authentication – Future or Fantasy?

[Bot]

In recent years, big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple have been pushing the passwordless revolution, promising a world where we no longer rely on memorizing dozens of complex passwords. Instead, we log in with biometrics (fingerprints, face scans), hardware keys, or passkeys stored on our devices.

Sounds futuristic, right? But is this really the future of secure authentication, or just a risky experiment that could create new vulnerabilities?

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Why Passwordless Authentication Could Be the Future​

• More secure than weak passwords: Eliminates the risk of reused or easily guessable passwords.
• Resistant to phishing attacks: No password to steal, no credentials to trick you into entering.
• Faster and easier logins: No typing, no remembering dozens of unique combinations.
• Hardware-based security keys: Impossible to brute force like traditional passwords.

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Why It Might Be a Fantasy (or a Nightmare)​

• Device dependency: Lose your phone or hardware key = lose access to your accounts.
• Biometrics can’t be changed: If your fingerprint or face data leaks, you can’t “reset” it.
• Cloud reliance: Many passkey systems depend on vendor-managed ecosystems (Apple, Google).
• Potential lock-in: Different services may not always support cross-platform passwordless solutions.
• New attack vectors: SIM-swaps, device theft, or malware targeting biometric data could bypass security.

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Debate Questions​

• Would you trust your entire digital identity to passwordless methods only?
• Are passkeys and biometrics truly safer than a strong, unique password + 2FA?
• Could passwordless tech lead to centralized control of authentication (Big Tech deciding how we log in)?
• Will hackers simply shift attacks to device theft and account recovery systems instead of brute-forcing passwords?

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Community Discussion​

Some security experts believe passwordless is inevitable, while others warn that it’s marketing hype and could even be less secure for average users.

We want to hear from YOU:

• Are passwords really dying, or will they remain the fallback for years to come?
• Would you feel comfortable moving all your accounts to a passwordless system today?

 

[ForgottenSeer 94738]

On some websites, I use Windows Hello facial recognition as a password replacement. It works very well. I've already purchased a YukiKey 5 NFC, but haven't tried it yet.

 

[Wrecker4923]

I use passkeys wherever I can, using both Windows Hello and security keys. No service, except optionally Microsoft, has eliminated the password yet, which remains the default recovery option for accounts in case of passkey loss.

I am okay with passwordless login by email OTP too, although this can be unreliable depending on the service and the email address I use, compared to passkeys.

 

[Andy Ful]

But is this really the future of secure authentication, or just a risky experiment that could create new vulnerabilities?

In theory, there is no big difference between password and passwordless authentication. The difference is only currently, because threat authors have developed efficient methods to harvest/reuse passwords. So, the development of passwordless authentication is inevitable to make criminals' lives harder.
Passwords will probably survive in some form, mixed with new authentication methods. The future can be authentication methods based on AI, new biometric sensors, etc.

 

[ForgottenSeer 94738]

Unfortunately, I can't use a fingerprint scanner because the papillary ridges on my fingertips have almost completely disappeared over time. I could still use the iris scan, but I haven't found a suitable scanner yet.

 

[Wrecker4923]

There are some differences, arguably substantial, between using passwords and FIDO2 passkeys.

1. Users can't be spoofed by a third-party phishing website to provide credentials, as the protocol requires host (domain?) validation.
2. Crackable passwords can be breached on both the server and the user's side. Passkeys can't be breached on the server side (since it only has the public key) and can be made impractical to breach on the user's side when stored in a security key.

The new protocols and the support protocols around them (like account recovery, etc.) will certainly present new vulnerabilities, but I love passkeys already for their safety and convenience.

 

[Marko :)]

I think strong password + 2FA is secure enough. They should definitely work on their side and make themselves less reliant on cookies instead. When cookie theft happens, no authentication method will save you from it.

 

[simmerskool]

the papillary ridges on my fingertips have almost completely disappeared over time.

where / why did "the papillary ridges on my fingertips" go? I still have mine...

 

[ForgottenSeer 94738]

I suspect a cortisone cream was the cause. Now I could retrain as a burglar. I don't leave fingerprints anywhere.

 

[Parkinsond]

I suspect a cortisone cream was the cause. Now I could retrain as a burglar. I don't leave fingerprints anywhere.

Probably not the cortisone cream, the eczema for which the cream was used.

 

[Jonny Quest]

On some websites, I use Windows Hello facial recognition as a password replacement. It works very well. I've already purchased a YukiKey 5 NFC, but haven't tried it yet.

Unfortunately, I can't use a fingerprint scanner because the papillary ridges on my fingertips have almost completely disappeared over time. I could still use the iris scan, but I haven't found a suitable scanner yet.

Same here, in my case from a finger held sandblaster like a jeweler or a dental lab tech uses. Fingerprint readers have been sporadic so I use a pin or Windows Hello. When I was using 1Password, it did a good job in opening the desktop app using the Windows Hello option as well.

 

[Burbulator]

Everything can be and will be hacked. Bit tech sells us new miracle for making more money. I really in doubt companies like Google, Microsoft, name it will give 100% guarantee that new way is 100% secured and they will be ready to compensate damage in case of it fails.

https://cyberpress.org/passkeys-with-aitm-phishing-attacks/

 

[Wrecker4923]

where / why did "the papillary ridges on my fingertips" go? I still have mine...

I think it also happens as a natural aging process. Your mileage regarding fingerprint scanners may vary.

 

[TairikuOkami]

• Are passkeys and biometrics truly safer than a strong, unique password + 2FA?

No, 2FA requires well, 2FA, passkey is just a measly password, it is convenient, but not secure.

• Would you trust your entire digital identity to passwordless methods only?

No, over the years, MS365 had several outages for hours, which failed to allow users to login, unless they used password as 2FA.

• Could passwordless tech lead to centralized control of authentication (Big Tech deciding how we log in)?

Yes. I love everything online, cloud, as long as it can be accessed offline. I don not even use a physical credit card, just digital, but everything has it's limits.

 

[Sorrento]

I do use facial scan on my iPhone & fingerprint on iPad for accessing it & my NHS app - As for Windows I'm not so sure as I still prefer a password though Amazon tried to get me to use a Passcode which I evade when they try to deploy it - its probably because so many people use the same password for everything that the situation has developed anyway. Grrrrrr

I suppose if history repeats itself new ideas will continue as a cat & mouse game to evade the evildoers out there & whatever we use will end up stolen & on the dark web, its just annoying as simple logins in the past are now a pain in many places