Passwordless authentication and traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) differ primarily in how they verify a user's identity and the requirements for authentication factors.
Passwordless authentication eliminates the need for a password altogether. Instead, it relies on other forms of verification, such as biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition), security keys, or one-time codes sent via email or SMS. This method is often more convenient and can be more secure because it removes the risk associated with password theft or phishing attacks.
Example of passwordless authentication: A user logs into their email account by scanning their fingerprint on a smartphone.
Traditional multi-factor authentication, on the other hand, requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. These factors typically fall into three categories: something you know (password), something you have (a security token), or something you are (biometrics). MFA adds an extra layer of security by ensuring that even if one factor is compromised, the attacker still needs the other factors to gain access.
Example of traditional MFA: A user logs into their online banking account by entering a password (something they know) and then entering a code sent to their phone via SMS (something they have).
In the context of cloud services, Tencent Cloud offers a variety of authentication solutions that can support both passwordless and multi-factor authentication methods, enhancing security and user convenience.