THE FUTURE OF SECURE IDENTITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PASSWORDLESS AUTHENTICATION METHODS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The increasing number of cyber threats, data breaches, and credential theft incidents has exposed the limitations of traditional password-based authentication systems. Passwords are often vulnerable to phishing attacks, brute-force attempts, credential stuffing, and poor user management practices, leading to significant security and usability challenges. As a result, passwordless authentication has emerged as a promising alternative for enhancing digital identity security while improving user experience. This paper presents a systematic review of passwordless authentication methods and their associated challenges in the context of secure digital identity management. The study examines various authentication approaches, including biometrics, hardware security keys, one-time passwords, mobile-based authentication, behavioral biometrics, and FIDO-based authentication frameworks. The review analyzes their security features, usability benefits, deployment considerations, and resistance to common cyberattacks. Furthermore, the study investigates technical, organizational, and privacy-related challenges associated with the adoption of passwordless systems. The findings indicate that passwordless authentication offers improved security, enhanced user convenience, and reduced credential-related risks compared to conventional password-based mechanisms. The review highlights the growing importance of passwordless technologies in shaping the future of secure identity management across digital ecosystems.