OHIO Goes Passwordless: A New Era in Authentication
From gas engines to sleek electric vehicles, from CDs to streaming on demand, and from physical wallets to digital ones—technology is evolving all around us. Yet, one thing has stubbornly remained the same: the use of usernames and passwords. For decades, we have relied on this outdated method of authentication. But now, a new era has arrived. Say hello to passwordless authentication: secure, seamless, and built for the future.
The Problem with Traditional Passwords
- Frequently reused
- Hard to manage
- Hard to remember
- Targeted via phishing and brute force attacks
Why Passwordless
Passwordless is a more secure and more convenient method to authenticate, and it replaces the traditional concept of logging in with a password (or something you know). It leverages a secure combination of something you have (like a phone) and something you are (like face identification) and satisfies multifactor authentication requirements all at the same time (no more two-step verifications). These methods are considered more secure because there is no longer a password to steal, and in some cases are even phishing-resistant.
Phishing resistance comes with some forms of passwordless authentication because they require a physical connection from the device where the passwordless sign-in is happening (such as at the web browser) and your phone/device where you approve the sign-in. Remotely, attackers have trouble intervening in this process.
Configure Your Passwordless Authentication Today!
For most people, we recommend passwordless authentication through the Microsoft Authenticator App as it feels similar to the log-in process you're likely already using. Whenever you see an OHIO login screen, you'll bypass needing to enter your password and you'll be prompted to confirm the login on your phone/device.
This method is safer than traditional MFA but is not considered fully phishing-resistant. You should never share the sign-in number or type in a sign-in number that someone provides to you.
Ready for a change? Visit our page to learn how to enroll in this secure method today.
Important: Never communicate about your passwordless number prompt, or enter a number provided by someone other than the login.microsoftonline.com login page.