card reader attached to laptop

Passkey Readers: The “Key” To Unlocking a Passwordless World

For years, passwords have been the primary gatekeeper to our digital lives — instrumental for accessing online accounts and systems around the workplace. However, with the ever-increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, passwords have become vulnerable. They can be easily phished, cracked or stolen, putting our data and privacy at risk. 

As the security landscape evolves, a more robust method of gaining access to digital “things” is gaining ground: passwordless authentication using passkey.

Passkeys: The Key to Security

The Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standard — created by the FIDO Alliance, a consortium of tech giants working towards a world free of passwords — is intended to ultimately eliminate the use of passwords for authentication by using passkeys. The FIDO technology offers a strong security method that utilizes unique cryptographic keys directly stored in your device or cloud. This removes the reliance on passwords, the prime targets for attackers. 

Passkeys offer several significant advantages, including:

  • A Reduced Attack Surface — Unlike passwords, FIDO authentication requires users to register a FIDO2 compatible physical device like a smart card, a security key or a phone with biometric capabilities. Then they generate a security key that is stored directly in the device. Therefore, the device becomes a mandatory additional factor for the authentication process. This prevents password phishing and reduces social engineering attacks that exploit human vulnerabilities.
  • A Simplified User Experience — Users no longer need to remember or manage complicated passwords, creating a more seamless log-in experience
  • An Enterprise-Ready Solution — Major players like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace already support FIDO authentication, making it a secure and convenient solution for businesses of all sizes

As we continue to progress into a deeper digital existence, the passwordless authentication movement offers many significant benefits over traditional password methods. These include:

  • Enhanced Security — Eliminating passwords removes a key vulnerability from the security chain, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access
  • Reduced User Fatigue — No more struggling to remember or reset passwords; creates a more positive user experience with faster and more convenient log-ins
  • Improved Productivity and Cost Savings — With fewer password reset requests, IT departments save time and resources, leading to cost reductions. Both users and IT administrators gain valuable time back from password management tasks, allowing them to focus on more productive activities.
  • Ideal Compliance With Requirements for Secure Environments — Passwordless authentication offers heightened security for industries requiring stricter access control measures — such as healthcare, government, finance and banking — and the connected workplace

Unlocking Value: The Role of Passkey RFID Readers

While FIDO technology fortifies user authentication in mobile credentials, passkey readers play just as crucial a role in passwordless authentication environments. A security “key” is only valuable if it has an equally strong counterpart to unlock seamless access to digital “things” for users.

Select RFID readers level up access by offering several advantages:

  • An Improved Security Posture — RFID access readers provide robust authentication for employees accessing corporate networks, applications and sensitive data
  • Compliance With Industry Standards — Readers that adhere to FIDO technology and industry mandates ensure a future-proof and secure solution
  • Credential Flexibility — RFID readers supporting a variety of credentials, including FIDO authenticators, digital public key infrastructure (PKI) certificates, and contactless options using near field communication (NFC)
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Support — RFID readers are ideal for implementing MFA — a critical security best practice. These readers offer easy deployment, flexibility with USB and contactless options, and often come with digital signing and encryption capabilities.

A Trio To Tap Into for Enhanced Security

To fully harness the potential of passwordless authentication, savvy business entities are tapping into all-in-one solutions comprised of three key components:

  1. RFID Contactless Readers — A FIDO-authenticating RFID reader such as HID’s OMNIKEY 5022 is a main player in secure credential verification
  2. Secure Contactless Credentials — FIDO-enabled credentials, such as Crescendo Cards or Keys, offer phishing-resistant authentication
  3. Software  — DigitalPersona centrally manages user credentials and access privileges

Leveraging these elements, businesses can create a resilient, convenient and future-proof access system powered by proven, global technologies. By locking in passwordless authentication, organizations are committed to prioritizing data and network security while enriching the user experience.

Tap Into More Specifics About RFID-Based Readers and Systems

Learn more about how to fortify your digital front with passwordless authentication.

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