Strengthening Your WordPress Fence with Passwordless Logins

If you dream of a world where you no longer have to remember complex passwords or worry about them being stolen, let us introduce you to passwordless logins! This revolutionary technology is transforming how we protect our websites, while improving the user experience.

This innovation is particularly important for WordPress administrators. Given that more than 40% of sites run WordPress, cybercriminals frequently target the platform. Brute-force attacks and phishing schemes can exploit weak passwords and outdated security practices.

Passwordless logins eliminate the need for passwords altogether. Instead, users can authenticate using methods like magic links, one-time codes sent via a mobile device, biometrics, and authentication apps.

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of passwordless logins over traditional systems and discuss how Shield Security PRO’s features can help you move towards a more secure, password-free future.

Why opt for passwordless access?

Traditional password-based systems are increasingly seen as outdated and vulnerable, with over 19% of data breaches in 2023 involving compromised passwords.

Passwordless systems eliminate many of the risks associated with common login methods. Biometrics, magic links, and hardware tokens tie authentication to something the user ‘has’ or ‘is’, rather than something they ‘know’. This reduces the attack surface for cybercriminals, making it harder to gain unauthorised access through phishing or brute force attacks.

Beyond security, passwordless access streamlines user experience. There’s no complex passwords to remember or regular password resets. It can also lead to higher user satisfaction, as employees and admin spend less time dealing with login issues and more time on important tasks.

There are also monetary savings to be made. Microsoft passwordless authentication – used by 90% of its employees – has reduced the costs associated with supporting passwords by 87%.

Shield Security PRO is a premium security solution that complements passwordless access through passkeys, login protection, and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), as shown below.

How Shield Security PRO’s features complement passwordless authentication

While Shield Security PRO doesn’t yet offer an official passwordless login, the plugin has comprehensive features designed to create a fortified WordPress login environment.

• Passkeys: Shield Security PRO’s passkey 2-factor authentication provides a secure, simple way to verify access to your WordPress site. Using asymmetric cryptography and FIDO2 standards, passkeys replace traditional logins with digital credentials, saving users up nearly 50% more time when logging in. Users can register FIDO2-compatible devices like Windows Hello, Apple Face ID, and YubiKeys. Eventually, they’ll be able to use these same devices for true passwordless login. 
• More 2FA options: Users can also set up 2FA via email, Yubikeys, Google Authenticator, and backup codes. 2FA and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) allow for multiple methods to be used when logging in. Security is much improved as hackers need more than a password to gain access, and 2FA can save the day even when a password has been compromised.
• Limit login attempts: Shield Security PRO protects against brute force login attacks with features like its silentCAPTCHA technology that identifies and blocks malicious bots. This feature combined with 2FA forms a formidable defence.

What’s the difference between passwordless logins and passkeys?

A passwordless login is an authentication method that allows users to sign in without entering a password. As we’ve seen, this includes methods like One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email, magic links, and biometrics. Passkeys are a specific type of passwordless authentication that uses public key cryptography.

With passkeys, the user’s device generates a public key and a private key. The public key is shared with the website or app, while the private key remains securely stored on the user’s device. Other passwordless methods like OTPs do not use this public-private key system.

Furthermore, passkeys can sync across a user’s devices that use the same platform, whereas many passwordless methods require separate setup on each device.

Passkeys will form the foundation of Shield’s future Passwordless implementations, so there’s no downside to registering and using your passkeys with Shield today.

Step-by-step: Setting up passkeys using Shield Security PRO

Setting up passkeys through Shield Security PRO is easy! In just a few minutes, you can enjoy all the benefits of additional login security. Remember: For now, you can use passkeys as part of your 2FA setup, but eventually, you’ll be able to use them for a passwordless login.

To set up passkeys, just follow these steps: 

1. Go to Shield Security PRO > Security Zones > Login
2. Select 2FA: Passkeys. Check Allow Passkeys, then Save Settings.

3. Go back to the WordPress dashboard. Click All Users and select your profile. On your Profile screen, scroll down to Multi-Factor Authentication and click Register New Passkey.

4. You’ll be prompted to input your passkey. This could be as simple as your login PIN, or you can use one of the providers detailed in the section above. You’ll then be prompted to name the passkey and receive confirmation that it has been registered.
5. Log out and return to the login screen. You’ll now be prompted to use your registered passkey.

There’s no limit to the number of passkeys allowed, so site admins can set up multiple keys using different authentication devices. This means you can assign different passkeys to different workstations – especially useful if you use multiple devices and travel around for work. Passkeys can be added or removed through your user profile.

Passwordless login vs 2FA

With a growing shift towards adaptive authentication methods, both passwordless logins and 2FA methods are constantly evolving. As new user devices, plugins, apps, and security threats come along, it’s essential that website owners find a solution they can rely on.

So, should you choose passwordless login or 2FA? Both methods have pros and cons, so consult our table below to find the solution that works best for your personal circumstances.

Pros	Passwordless logins	Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Security	Eliminates password-related breaches (e.g.phishing, brute force attacks).	Adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
User experience	Simplifies login process, no need to remember passwords.	Familiar to users, especially with SMS or app-based codes.
Productivity	Increases productivity by reducing time spent on password-related issues.	Can be integrated with existing systems to enhance security without major disruptions.
Adoption	Improves stakeholder and employee trust by enhancing security.	Widely accepted and understood, making it easier to implement across various platforms.
Cons	Passwordless logins	Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Implementation	Set up can be complex for some users.	Integration can be time-consuming.
Device dependency	Relies on specific devices or biometrics, which can be lost or malfunction.	Users may lose access to the second factor (e.g. phone, token).
User resistance	Users may be hesitant to adopt new methods, especially those involving biometrics.	Can be seen as intrusive or frustrating, especially if unfamiliar.
Troubleshooting	More difficult to troubleshoot issues compared to password resets.	Can be disruptive if factors are lost or unavailable.

Get started with Shield Security PRO for a more secure WordPress experience

Passwordless logins and passkeys are revolutionising online security by reducing the vulnerabilities of traditional password methods. Shield Security PRO makes setting up a passkey login a breeze, offering a secure authentication method that also improves the user experience.

However, passwordless logins alone won’t fully protect your site. An all-in-one security solution is highly recommended.

The Shield Security PRO plugin complements passwordless logins with a wealth of features. Its AntiBot Detection Engine blocks malicious bots, while login cooldown periods prevent brute force attacks. Site admins maintain full control over users’ access rights and can even hide the WordPress login page, making it even more difficult for a hacker to attempt an attack.

For those serious about tightening their website security, Shield Security PRO offers the ultimate solution. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your site is protected by getting started with Shield Security PRO today!