Passwordless Authentication & Phishing-Resistant Authentication

What is Passwordless Authentication?

It is a method that replaces passwords with strong, device-bound cryptographic authentication to reduce phishing and credential theft risks.

Why is Passwordless Authentication necessary?

Phishing remains one of the most successful cyberattack vectors and passwords can be easily reused, stolen, or lead to password fatigue.

What are the benefits of Phishing-Resistant Passwordless Authentication?

Enhanced security, zero trust enablement, and improved user experience with faster sign-ins and no need for password resets.

How does Passwordless Authentication work?

It uses public/private key pairs, securely stored keys in device hardware, device-bound authentication, and cryptographic challenge-response.

What factor types can Passwordless Authenticators satisfy?

Possession (device with hardware-bound key), Knowledge (device passcode), Biometric (fingerprint, face recognition).

What are NIST Authenticator Assurance Levels (AAL)?

Categories that define the security level of authenticators, with FIDO2 and Okta FastPass meeting AAL3 requirements.

What is the difference between FIDO2 and Okta FastPass?

FIDO2 is an industry standard using hardware security keys, while Okta FastPass provides additional device assurance and management signals.

What are the key takeaways about Passwordless Authentication for the exam?

It eliminates passwords, reduces phishing risk, supports multiple factor types, meets NIST AAL3, and supports strong Zero Trust architectures.

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Why is passwordless authentication important for security?

It eliminates passwords which removes phishing and credential theft risks.

What does phishing resistant authentication replace?

It replaces passwords with strong device bound cryptographic authentication.

What technology underlies phishing resistant authentication?

Public Key Infrastructure PKI and device attestation.

How does passwordless authentication support Zero Trust?

It verifies both the user and the device before granting access.

What are the three main benefits of passwordless authentication?

Enhanced security Zero Trust enablement and improved user experience.

What factor types can phishing resistant authenticators satisfy?

Knowledge something you know possession something you have and biometric something you are.

What factors are satisfied when unlocking a device with a passcode?

Possession and knowledge.

What factors are satisfied when unlocking a device with biometrics?

Possession and biometric.

Which authenticator types are phishing resistant and passwordless?

FIDO2 and Okta FastPass.

Which authentication assurance level do FIDO2 and Okta FastPass meet?

NIST AAL3.

What is NIST AAL1?

Single factor authentication for low risk scenarios.

What is NIST AAL2?

Two factor authentication using combinations like OTP plus password or push plus biometrics.

What is NIST AAL3?

High risk authentication requiring hardware based cryptographic authenticators.

How do FIDO2 and Okta FastPass satisfy MFA?

By combining a hardware bound key with either a passcode or biometric unlock.

What hardware protections secure FastPass and FIDO2 keys?

TPM on Windows or Secure Enclave on Apple devices.

What is FIDO2 typically implemented with?

Security keys such as YubiKey or platform authenticators using biometrics.

What does Okta FastPass use to authenticate the user?

A unique cryptographic key bound to the device via Okta Verify.

Which platforms does Okta FastPass support?

Android iOS macOS and Windows.

Which features does FastPass provide that FIDO2 does not?

Device assurance signals device management attestation and EDR integration signals.

Are both FIDO2 and FastPass phishing resistant?

Yes both provide phishing resistant authentication.

Why is passwordless authentication considered user friendly?

It uses biometrics or device passcodes and removes the need for passwords or password resets.

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