What is passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication removes the password from the sign-in step. A user proves identity with a different factor. This factor can be a device, a security key, or a biometric trait.
A password is a shared secret. A server stores it, and a user must remember it. Passwordless authentication uses a stronger proof instead.
How does passwordless authentication work?
Passwordless authentication uses factors that a password cannot copy. The system checks one or more of these factors at sign-in.
Most methods bind the sign-in to one device. The device holds a private key or runs a local check. The server never sees the secret itself.
- Possession: a phone, a hardware key, or a registered device.
- Inherence: a biometric trait, such as a face or a fingerprint.
- The device signs a challenge and sends proof to the server.
What are the benefits of passwordless authentication?
Passwordless authentication improves both security and user experience. It takes a weak, shared secret out of the flow.
- A user skips password resets and long secrets.
- An attacker cannot steal or reuse a password.
- Many methods resist phishing attacks.
- Sign-in becomes faster for the user.
What are common types of passwordless authentication?
A team picks a passwordless method to fit the risk level. Some methods are stronger than others.
- FIDO2 and passkeys use a device-bound key pair.
- Biometric factors use a face or a fingerprint.
- Magic links send a one-time URL by email.
- One-time codes arrive by email or an app.
How does SenseCrypt do passwordless authentication?
SenseCrypt is a passwordless identity provider (IdP). Seventh Sense makes it. A user enrolls from a photo on file. The user then signs in by face. SenseCrypt calls this face login.
Face matching runs on-device. SenseCrypt stores no biometric data on the server. It uses patent-pending face tokenization. A face becomes a single-use face token. The sign-in binds to the device, so it is phishing-resistant.
Frequently asked questions
Is passwordless authentication more secure than passwords?
Yes, in most cases. Passwordless authentication takes out the shared secret that attackers target. Many methods also resist phishing.
Does passwordless authentication always use biometrics?
No. A passkey or a hardware key needs no biometric trait. Biometric factors, such as a face, are one option among several.
How does SenseCrypt do passwordless sign-in?
SenseCrypt enrolls a user from a photo on file. The user then signs in by face. Face matching runs on-device, and SenseCrypt stores no biometric data on the server.
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