Going ‘Passwordless’ is not straightforward

Organisations rushing to adopt passwordless authentication are doing so for a variety of reasons: to deliver stronger security, reduce IT support costs, support remote working and to adopt a Zero Trust approach to verify each access request. But it is not a simple process and should not be rushed.
Passwordless authentication simply replaces passwords with a more suitable authentication factor. This means moving from a centralised credential repository (where passwords are saved) to a decentralised model in which no passwords are saved and each individual is responsible for their own passwordless authentication. This therefore eliminates threats posed by passwords.
But unlike Multifactor Authentication (MFA) which secures organisations, users often get frustrated with the additional security layer on top of having to remember their passwords. Passwordless authentication methods are more convenient because there’s no password to remember, and they’re compatible across most devices and systems.
One of the biggest benefits of going passwordless is its simplicity. While most people have already adjusted to using password managers, there are still some passwords (like master passwords) that need you may need to remember.
By going passwordless, you can verify your identity without having to remember anything. You may need to authenticate with a mobile app or scan your face or fingerprint, and that’s it.
However, there are barriers to immediate adoption and a host of elements to consider before implementing a passwordless environment to the enterprise. Central to this is inertia. According to a survey from Cyber Security Insiders some 22% of businesses still need persuading of the benefits of going passwordless. This could be because of the difficulty in adapting an entire IT infrastructure to a passwordless login. According to this research, two-thirds of its sample claimed they did not have the right in-house teams and skills for the seamless adoption of passwordless authentication.
Many applications are just not designed to go passwordless because identity authentication has traditionally been fragmented. It’s a complicated picture, even among the cloud providers that include multifactor authentication and identity management as part of their services. There is no doubt that this is a journey many organisations are now embarking on as they realise that passwords really are the weakest link and are costing billions in terms of data breaches. But it is not an immediate fix – it is going to take time to scope, plan and implement. It certainly cannot be rushed.
You may be interested in
Why Businesses Should Invest in ESG: Lessons learned by Espria
In today’s competitive landscape, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance is no longer just a “nice to have”—it is a critical business imperative. Companies that prioritise ESG are better positioned for long-term success, risk mitigation, and reputation enhancement. Today’s world demands more from companies than just financial performance. Customers want transparency. Employees want purpose. Investors want resilience. ESG helps businesses manage risk, seize new opportunities and build trust with the people who matter most. It is how you can stay competitive, stay responsible and stay relevant in a fast-changing world. A powerful case study of…
The Importance of Compliance and Security: Complementary Forces in Today’s Business World
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, compliance and security have become paramount. These two elements, often perceived as hurdles, are in fact complementary forces that drive business success and sustainability. Understanding their importance and how they work together can transform them from perceived blockers into enablers of growth and innovation. The Role of Compliance Compliance refers to adhering to laws, regulations, standards and ethical practices relevant to an industry. It ensures that a company operates within the legal framework and maintains its reputation. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines and legal issues; it is…
Businesses are losing money and jeopardising security to IT sprawl and quick fixes, says Espria
IT Leaders must take action on unchecked technology sprawl and shadow IT that are draining budgets, increasing cyber risks, and complicating their digital environment. According to a recent study, budgets towards insider risk management have doubled in the past 12 months, with 81% of business leaders looking to secure their internal business infrastructure as geopolitical tensions escalate and remote workforces become the norm. ‘Digital transformation ushered in new possibilities and solutions for computing, but it also introduced a potential for sprawl that burdens IT teams everywhere,’ said Brian Sibley, Virtual CTO at Espria. ‘When faced…
Espria launches Espria Connect, enhancing Microsoft Teams with Advanced Unified Communications
The new product, Espria Connect, isn’t just another telephony solution. It’s a game-changer, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and secure telephony solution for SMBs, mid-market and enterprise customers. Combining the power of Microsoft Teams with Cloud-Based Unified Communications, Espria, the leading managed services provider, is excited to introduce Espria Connect. This powerful solution streamlines business communication infrastructure and addresses the growing demand for a unified communication solution that supports hybrid work environments. Designed for businesses of all sizes, Espria Connect allows users to manage voicemail, make and receive calls, and access a diverse range of other…
Reimagining education: How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and collaborate in schools
Technology has long been used by educators to support teaching and operations, facilitating staff with a wide range of platforms and resources. A particular tool that has sparked both controversy and curiosity is the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI). A study by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, found that most teachers are reluctant to use AI for pupil learning with 84% of educators not changing the way they assess their students’ work. This comes after Ofsted recently launched an independent review on the use of AI in schools and how to develop the understanding of…
Espria launches CSP renewal assessment service
Leading managed service provider launches new service to address the costs associated with software sprawl, helping to drive down OpEx as businesses increasingly feel the financial squeeze. Espria, a leading digital solutions provider, has launched a free M365 Licence Assessment programme to help businesses save costs by reviewing existing licence estates and identifying those licences not in use or no longer being utilised. With Microsoft recently changing how they sell and structure licenses, businesses must now reassess their current M365 licenses, looking for ways to reduce costs and keep the capabilities they need as they…