Authentication is a critical aspect of customer identity and access management (CIAM) systems, and organizations are constantly exploring new ways to improve security and user experience. Two authentication solutions that have gained significant attention in the industry are multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password-less authentication. In the third and last article of the CIAM Hypes and Trends series, we will discuss the advantages of password-less authentication, the FIDO2 protocol, and discuss Decentralized Identity Management as a possible game-changer for CIAM.
Are Passwords Here to Stay?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password-less authentication are two authentication solutions that have gained significant attention in the CIAM industry. While MFA involves using two or more factors to authenticate a user, password-less authentication, as the name implies, does not require a user to remember a password. Instead, it utilizes biometric features, hardware tokens, or mobile apps to authenticate users, making the process more secure and seamless.
One major advantage of password-less authentication is the enhanced security it provides. Passwords can easily be forgotten, shared, or stolen, which can compromise the security of user accounts. However, password-less authentication makes it difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Additionally, password-less authentication offers a more user-friendly experience by eliminating the need for users to remember complex passwords.
FIDO2 for CIAM: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
The FIDO2 protocol is a password-less authentication protocol that utilizes the hardware components of devices and biometrics or PINs to authenticate users. While the protocol is a robust and future-proof approach to password-less authentication, it comes with its own set of challenges. One challenge is the varying GUI on different platforms, which may result in an inconsistent user experience. Another challenge is the potential non-support of FIDO2 on some browsers, which could lead to authentication failures. Despite these challenges, FIDO2 with mobile phones or hardware tokens is a recommended approach by Gartner for CIAM use cases.
Overall, MFA and password-less authentication are crucial to improving the security and user experience of CIAM systems, and organizations should consider adopting them for their authentication needs.
The Rise of Decentralized Identity Management: A Game Changer for CIAM?
Decentral Identity Management is a hot topic in CIAM that could shape the future of authentication. This approach challenges the centralized approach of most CIAM solutions, where a central repository manages user accounts. Decentralized Identity Management solutions comprise two components: a digital wallet and a distributed ledger. The wallet is usually on the user’s phone and contains his credentials, which are created by the customer himself. The ledger is a blockchain technology that stores verifiable identification entries for users, which any organization can use to verify the user’s identity.
Decentral Identity Management offers several advantages. The user can reuse the claims provided for multiple organizations, making it easier for the customer to access digital services. The approach also promises a seamless customer experience since the wallet, mobile app, and app are all located on the same device. Additionally, the approach is password-less, and the user remains in full control of his data. However, there are some drawbacks, including the need for provisioning and consent management capabilities since organizations may need personal information for business applications in the future.
The technology is new, and there are still some challenges to overcome, but the potential benefits are significant. The privacy and security aspects are high, and the approach promises a seamless customer experience. Overall, Decentral Identity Management is an exciting development that could change the future of authentication.
Meeting Evolving Customer Demands: How Modern CIAM Technologies are Paving the Way for Seamless User Experience and Data Protection
As customer expectations for a seamless user experience, strong security measures and data protection continue to grow, businesses must strive to meet these demands. Fortunately, modern CIAM technologies have made significant progress in meeting these needs, with even more exciting advancements on the horizon.
We hope you enjoyed our article series where we explored the most important CIAM trends and their implications on CIAM initiatives. At iC Consult, we are committed to helping organizations evaluate and leverage the latest technologies to unlock their full potential and exceed their customer’s expectations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any inquiries you may have.