Top tips: Making the switch to a passwordless future

Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’re exploring how passwordless authentication is becoming the new standard for secure, seamless access.

For decades, passwords have been the cornerstone of digital authentication. But in today's cyberthreat landscape, this is no longer enough. Weak, reused, or stolen passwords account for over 80% of data breaches, according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. It's time to look beyond the traditional username-password model and toward a passwordless future.

Going passwordless can mean stronger security, smoother user experiences, and less IT overhead. But the transition isn’t automatic. It requires a strategic rollout, the right tools, and most importantly—user trust.

Here’s a detailed look at how organizations can make this shift successfully.

1. Understand what passwordless authentication really means 

Before taking the plunge, clarify what “passwordless” involves. It's not about removing security—it’s about replacing passwords with more secure and user-friendly methods, including:

  • Biometrics (fingerprints, facial recognition)

  • Push-based approvals

  • FIDO2/WebAuthn authenticators

  • QR-code logins

  • Trusted devices and single sign-on

With tools like Zoho OneAuth and ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus, users can authenticate using their mobile device, biometrics, or a secure push notification, removing the password altogether.

2. Start with a comprehensive risk assessment 

You can’t switch everything overnight. Start by mapping out:

  • Systems most vulnerable to phishing or brute-force attacks

  • High-risk user groups, such as IT admins or remote teams

  • Applications where password fatigue is a concern

Once you’ve mapped your risk exposure, you can prioritize where and how to roll out passwordless authentication using tools like ManageEngines ADSelfService Plus.

3. Pilot the technology with a controlled group 

Instead of disrupting the entire organization, choose a subset of users for a test run:

  • IT teams, early adopters, or remote teams are ideal pilot groups.

  • Evaluate multiple passwordless methods in parallel: biometrics, push notifications, or hardware keys.

  • Gather both quantitative data (login success/failure rates) and qualitative feedback (ease of use, confusion points).

This pilot will serve as your sandbox to fix issues, create training material, and gain early champions for wider adoption.

4. Prepare and educate your users 

User adoption will make or break your passwordless strategy. 
Communicate clearly and frequently:

  • Why the shift is happening ("We're doing this to protect you and make your work easier")

  • What’s changing and how to set up the new method

  • When and where to expect passwordless logins

  • How to get help if something doesn’t work

Provide self-service guides, interactive demos, and one-on-one help during the initial rollout. Remember, unfamiliarity, not resistance, is often the biggest barrier to adoption.

5. Implement strong, user-friendly fallbacks

Even in a passwordless world, users can lose devices or encounter issues. Best practices include:

  • Backup authentication methods (for example, an additional biometrics check, OTPs)

  • Account recovery flows that don’t default back to weak passwords

  • Help desk training to handle lockouts or escalations efficiently

Your fallback process should be both secure and frictionless, or users will resist the transition, or worse, find risky work-arounds.

6. Monitor, analyze, and iterate post-rollout 

Once live, track your passwordless implementation like a product launch. Focus on metrics like:

  • Authentication success rate

  • Support ticket volume

  • User satisfaction scores

  • Reduction in credential-based attacks or phishing attempts

Use this data to optimize the experience and address any blind spots.

Pro tip: Establish an ongoing governance process to keep policies updated and ensure new apps integrate with your passwordless ecosystem.

7. Don’t neglect the customer side 

For B2C companies, passwordless logins can drastically boost conversion and retention. Studies show that over 50% of users abandon sign-ups when asked to create a password.

Consider providing:

  • Magic links for easy login

  • Social sign-in

  • Biometric authentication for mobile apps

Customer experience is king—and going passwordless can be a powerful differentiator in crowded markets.

Why passwordless is more than just a trend—it’s a transformation

upgrade—it represents a strategic leap forward in how modern organizations protect, empower, and engage their users. Traditional password systems are no longer sufficient in a world where cyberattacks grow more targeted, users demand seamless access, and IT teams are burdened with constant reset requests and identity management headaches.

Passwordless authentication enables you to create a digital experience that feels invisible and secure in the background, but effortless for the user. When accomplished correctly, it's not just about technology. It’s about culture, confidence, and clarity in how your organization approaches identity.

With the right tools, such as Zoho OneAuth,ADSelfService Plus, and Log360, combined with a thoughtful rollout strategy and a user-first mindset, you can lead the charge to a safer, smarter, and simpler digital future. One without passwords. The switch to passwordless authentication is not just a technical or security One with fewer threats. And one where trust isn’t asked for; it's built into every login.