PKI plays a crucial role in enabling true passwordless authentication. Here are the key points about PKI and passwordless authentication:

True Passwordless vs Password Masking:

• True passwordless means no symmetric shared secrets exist in the authentication process
• Password masking solutions still use passwords behind the scenes, just hiding them from users
• Bridge technologies often mask passwords while maintaining legacy authentication systems

Certificate-Based Passwordless Benefits:

• Provides built-in policy controls and expiration dates
• Enables certificate revocation at any time
• Includes metadata and trust model capabilities
• Offers strong security when stored in secure elements
• Provides seamless user experience with biometrics

Key Considerations:

• Raw crypto keys lack the policy controls of certificates
• Policy engines become critical for managing raw keys
• Certificate-based authentication is truly passwordless
• PKI enables third-party trust relationships
• Proper implementation is crucial for security and usability

Best Practices:

• Challenge vendors on their passwordless claims
• Understand the difference between UX improvements and true passwordless
• Consider certificate lifecycle management needs
• Evaluate policy requirements and trust models
• Focus on both security and user experience

For enterprises seeking true passwordless authentication at scale, certificate-based PKI solutions offer the most comprehensive and secure approach when properly implemented.

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