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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Passwordless Authentication

Authentication methods that remove passwords, using cryptographic keys, biometrics, or possession factors instead.

Definition

Passwordless options include FIDO2 security keys, passkeys, Windows Hello for Business, certificate-based authentication, and authenticator app sign-in. They eliminate password reuse and phishing of shared secrets. Most combine possession with a local biometric or PIN, providing MFA in one step.

Example

Users sign in to Microsoft 365 with a passkey stored in Microsoft Authenticator instead of a password.

Exam tip

Passwordless does not mean single-factor; device possession plus biometric/PIN is MFA.

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