Why Businesses Using M365 Should Go Passwordless for Their Users

As cyber threats continue to evolve, traditional password-based authentication methods are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive business data. Passwords can be compromised, stolen, or hacked, leading to costly data breaches and reputational damage. In response, many businesses are now turning to passwordless authentication as a more secure and user-friendly alternative.

Microsoft 365 (M365) is a popular suite of cloud-based productivity tools used by millions of businesses worldwide. M365 includes several features that enable passwordless authentication, providing a more secure and seamless user experience. In this article, we’ll explore why businesses using M365 should consider going passwordless for their users.

Improved Security

Passwordless authentication can significantly improve the security of business data by eliminating the risk of weak or compromised passwords. Instead of relying on passwords, passwordless authentication uses a variety of other factors to verify a user’s identity, such as biometrics, device information, and one-time codes.

For example, M365 supports Windows Hello, which allows users to sign in using biometrics such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. It also supports Microsoft Authenticator, which uses a one-time code or push notification to verify a user’s identity. These methods are much harder to hack or steal than a password, making them a more secure option for authentication.

Enhanced User Experience

Passwordless authentication can also enhance the user experience by reducing the friction and frustration associated with passwords. Passwords can be difficult to remember, and users often need to reset them frequently, leading to lost productivity and increased support costs.

With passwordless authentication, users can sign in quickly and easily without needing to remember a complex password. This can save time and reduce frustration, leading to higher user satisfaction and productivity.

Simplified Management

Managing passwords for a large number of users can be a significant burden on IT teams. Password resets, forgotten passwords, and password policies can all create additional work and support costs.

By adopting passwordless authentication, businesses can simplify their password management processes, reducing the workload on IT teams. For example, M365 provides self-service password reset options that allow users to reset their own passwords without IT intervention. This can save time and reduce costs while improving user satisfaction.

Compliance Requirements

Finally, passwordless authentication can help businesses meet compliance requirements by providing a more secure authentication method. Many industry regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR, require businesses to protect sensitive data with robust security measures. Passwordless authentication can help businesses meet these requirements by providing a more secure and auditable authentication method.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passwordless authentication offers numerous benefits for businesses using M365. It provides enhanced security, a better user experience, simplified management, and can help businesses meet compliance requirements. As cyber threats continue to evolve, passwordless authentication is becoming increasingly important for protecting sensitive business data. By adopting passwordless authentication, businesses can improve their security posture, reduce support costs, and provide a better user experience for their employees.