Customer authentication with zero-friction passwordless authentication

Digital identity has become the cornerstone of the digital economy, catalyzing a significant shift in Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems. Traditional IAM systems, initially designed for enterprise use, are failing to meet modern customer expectations and security needs. Consequently, organizations are adopting Consumer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) solutions, which support large-scale identity storage, user consent management, and enhanced security features. CIAM systems facilitate seamless customer experiences, better security, and data privacy, although they generally still rely on weak password-based authentication methods, which remain a significant security risk.

To eliminate these risks and the inconvenience of passwords, passwordless authentication solutions are gaining popularity. Beyond Identity's Secure Customers offers a solution that eradicates passwords, leveraging multi-factor authentication (MFA) based on public-private key pairs and biometric verification. This method enhances security, reduces maintenance costs related to passwords, and provides a frictionless user experience.

In today's digital landscape, fraud such as account takeover (ATO) and other password-based attacks are on the rise, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations are turning to passwordless MFA solutions that incorporate Risk-based Authentication (RBA) to continuously evaluate risk factors such as device security posture and user behavior to improve access control. Beyond Identity's Secure Customers exemplifies this approach by providing zero-friction authentication without reliance on passwords or easily phishable factors.

FIDO Alliance, a noteworthy initiative, aims to eliminate passwords using open, scalable, and interoperable authentication standards. Secure Customers utilizes such principles to ensure robust, unphishable authentication, preserving user privacy and simplifying integration across platforms. Consequently, organizations can reduce help desk costs, comply with regulatory requirements, and prevent credential-based attacks.

• CIAM systems can store billions of user identities and handle millions of login processes.
• 89% of web application breaches are attributed to weak password-based authentication.
• Cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
• Password reuse among customers exacerbates security risks.
• FIDO Alliance includes over 40 organizations focused on authentication standards.
• Secure Customers was launched in September 2021.
• Secure Customers can authenticate users without passwords, push notifications, OTPs, or second devices.
• Secure Customers is designed to meet PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) standards.
• Password-based MFA solutions are still vulnerable to phishing and other attacks.
• Beyond Identity's passwordless solution offers a 99.95% uptime SLA.

• "Digital identity has become the foundation of the digital economy."
• "Passwords remain the source of friction and security risk for customer authentication solutions."
• "Password elimination is recognized as a fundamental goal for the IT security industry."
• "Fraud is a major cost to businesses worldwide."
• "Passwordless MFA solutions should provide a consistent login experience across all devices."
• "Risk-based authentication ensures that only authorized users and devices that meet your security model can access company data and resources."
• "Beyond Identity's Secure Customers delivers a passwordless MFA solution that protects customers against account takeover fraud and credential theft."
• "With RBA, data is continuously collected around the risk signals of the user and the device."
• "The FIDO Alliance aims to address the lack of interoperability among strong authentication devices."
• "Organizations need to find a passwordless authentication solution that provides customers with a frictionless user experience while maintaining security."