We’re sorry, passwords – you’re just not enough anymore

There was a time when passwords were our go-to for authentication. When they were made strong, they were reliable, tough to guess, and hard to crack. These days, however, with hackers using highly sophisticated phishing tactics and advanced password-cracking algorithms, passwords have been reduced to a weak link in our security practices. Sad but true.

And so, it’s time for us to explore better options for protecting our accounts and data. This means moving to a passwordless approach, which might sound a bit daunting but can actually make things more secure and user-friendly. Let us explain a bit more.

Limitations of password-based authentication

An average internet user has around 170 online accounts. Let’s suppose you have fewer, say, 40 accounts. Even then, once you start using a strong, 16-character password for each and every one of those accounts, you’ll quickly see it’s not a convenient method of ensuring online protection. And the problem is, it’s not so safe anymore, either.

According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, stolen credentials are among the top three main methods of accessing organizations. This happens for a few reasons. First, many people reuse passwords across multiple accounts, so if one account is compromised, it can lead to others being at risk, too. Second, a lot of people use weak passwords that are easy to guess or crack. Third, cybercriminals trick users into revealing their login details through phishing. Additionally, many users don’t use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which normally provides an extra layer of security when hackers get ahold of their login credentials.

With these security concerns in mind, some organizations have explored the possibility of getting rid of passwords altogether and replacing them with something better. This brings us to WebAuthn.

What is WebAuthn, exactly?

Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance, WebAuthn is a web standard for secure authentication based on public-key cryptography. In simpler terms, WebAuthn allows users to log in to websites without using passwords, instead relying on biometrics, security keys, or other authenticators like passkeys.

The main goal of WebAuthn is to provide a more secure alternative to passwords, creating a safer online environment and significantly reducing the risk of phishing and other cyberattacks. Importantly, WebAuthn is backed by major web browsers and platforms, so you get a seamless and secure experience no matter what device or service you’re using.

So, how does WebAuthn work?

The process is pretty straightforward, and once you know the steps, you can easily visualize WebAuthn in action. Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

1. Signing up: When you register for a service, the server sends a random value (also known as a “challenge”) to your device.

2. Creating keys: Your device uses this challenge to generate a pair of keys: a public key, which is sent to and stored on the server, and a private key, which remains safely on your device.

3. Logging in: Each time you log in, the server sends a new challenge. Your device encrypts this challenge with the private key, and the server verifies the encrypted data using the public key it has stored.

The whole idea is to keep your private key safe, even if the server gets hacked. This way, unauthorized parties can’t get access because the private key never leaves your device.

The benefits of WebAuthn

The WebAuthn standard is a real game-changer for everyone involved, though the benefits vary depending on whether you’re an end-user or a business. So, let’s now break down what each side can potentially gain and dive into how WebAuthn can help both hit a home run.

End-users

The biggest benefit for users is how much easier and quicker logging in becomes. No more hassle with complex passwords – often, it’s just one click to get into your accounts. And you don’t have to stress about security, either. WebAuthn boosts your privacy by using advanced cryptography, making it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to get into your accounts. Plus, it seriously cuts down on the risk of password theft and phishing attacks.

Businesses

For businesses, WebAuthn is a way to fight off the growing threat of credential-based cyberattacks. By adopting this standard, organizations can enhance their security posture with minimal disruption, as WebAuthn integrates smoothly with existing systems and workflows. This transition also translates into cost savings and improved operational efficiency by reducing password-related support requests. Not to mention the fact that businesses that implement WebAuthn can elevate their reputation by being seen as security-conscious.

WebAuthn in practice – popular use cases

Thanks to organizations like the FIDO Alliance, WebAuthn is gaining traction across many different sectors. In e-commerce, it’s revolutionizing the way customers log in and pay, making transactions more secure and smoother. Banking institutions have started to use WebAuthn to safeguard online transactions and account access, adding a robust defense against unauthorized access. Social media sites are also jumping on board, using WebAuthn to fend off phishing attacks and streamline the login process for their users. There are many other industries where WebAuthn has made a significant impact, which is why it’s becoming a technology that might soon make passwords a relic of the past.

Challenges and limitations

This might sound a little bold, but there are no major challenges or limitations when dealing with WebAuthn. While there might be some obstacles, they can be easily addressed with common-sense actions or by using available tools. Let us explain.

First, for WebAuthn to work properly and provide the right level of security, biometric data must be handled with the utmost care, ensuring it is protected against unauthorized access and misuse. This is a straightforward practice and essential for maintaining user trust. Though some might find this a big challenge, it is manageable with current security protocols and best practices, making it more of a standard requirement than a hurdle.

Second, some might argue that reliance on biometric devices may not be universally available or convenient for all users. However, as biometric technology becomes more prevalent in our digital lives, this concern is diminishing. NordVPN’s survey shows that more than 50% of Americans use biometrics daily, while other research indicates that over 80% of smartphones have biometric capabilities. So, we’re on track to make it a global standard.

Third, some claim that implementing passwordless solutions can be complex for developers, requiring companies to make significant investments and extra effort. However, there are already tools available that simplify this process, enabling businesses to implement password-free logins based on passkeys with ease. One such tool is Authopia.

Introduce passwordless logins for your customers today

Dedicated to helping organizations make passwordless options part of their login experience, we’ve created a tool called Authopia that allows them to easily add a passkey widget to their website or service.

It’s super simple to use: you just grab the pre-written code, have someone with basic IT knowledge implement it, register your product with Authopia, and voilà – you’ve got a passkey option available for your customers. It’s quick, efficient, and doesn’t require a big investment or the hiring of additional IT specialists. So, if you want to be ahead of the curve and enhance your login experience, consider giving Authopia a try.

If you need more info on going passwordless, check out our other materials, like the one where we compare passwords and passkeys to help you decide which is best.

It’s not about the name – it’s about functionality

Apple recently made headlines with the launch of Apple Passwords, a new password management app currently in beta for iOS 18 users. Although this is significant news, this isn’t the first time a major tech player has ventured into password management. Microsoft introduced its Windows Credential Manager with Windows XP back in 2001, and it has been a part of every version of Windows since then, continuously updated.

When a big name like Apple releases a new product, there’s always a buzz about it aiming to be the best in its category. However, a big brand name doesn’t always guarantee the best option available—though it doesn’t mean the product is bad either.

So, when it comes to choosing the right password manager, it’s important to look beyond the brand and focus on functionality. To help with that, let’s compare the features of these OS-specific password managers with NordPass and highlight the elements that stand out.

OS-specific password managers vs. NordPass

When comparing NordPass to platform-specific password managers, two key factors to consider are security and ease of use. Let’s dive into these aspects in detail:

Security

Although the core function of all password managers is to keep all passwords safe in one place, it is not that all password managers provide the same level of protection.

Password storage

Microsoft Credential Manager stores passwords locally on your device and encrypts them using the Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI). This setup is convenient for Windows users, but it relies on the security of the Windows operating system itself. Apple Passwords, in contrast, stores passwords in the iCloud Keychain, allowing secure access across all Apple devices.

NordPass takes a slightly different approach by keeping all passwords and other sensitive data in an encrypted cloud vault that can be accessed from any device. Moreover, NordPass uses XChaCha20, an encryption standard known for its exceptional security and performance, to encrypt the data before it is uploaded to the cloud. This ensures that all the information stored in the vault remains fully secure.

The zero-knowledge architecture

The term “zero-knowledge architecture” describes a design where a product is built so that the provider cannot access the user’s data stored in the system or service. Microsoft Credential Manager doesn’t fully follow this approach. Although it encrypts passwords, the encryption keys and processes are managed by Windows, which means Windows itself could potentially decrypt the data.

Apple Passwords uses a version of zero-knowledge with end-to-end encryption. This setup ensures that Apple can’t access your passwords because only your device holds the decryption keys.

NordPass goes all in with zero-knowledge architecture, with encryption and decryption occurring only on the user’s device to ensure that no one—including the NordPass team—can access their passwords.

Safe credential sharing

Microsoft Credential Manager doesn’t offer a built-in way to share passwords, so you have to do it manually, which can be quite risky. Apple Passwords makes sharing easier and more secure by using AirDrop and iCloud, with encryption to protect your credentials during transfer. NordPass, however, offers secure password-sharing features directly in the app, allowing you to share passwords with trusted contacts through encrypted channels.

Ease of use

The ease of use for password managers largely depends on their compatibility with your devices and how simple it is to use and manage your stored passwords. Let’s look at how these aspects compare among the OS-specific solutions and NordPass.

Compatibility

Windows Credential Manager is well-integrated with the Windows system but is limited to Microsoft environments. It only supports browser extensions for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, which might be inconvenient for users who prefer other browsers.

The Apple Passwords app works seamlessly across Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and integrates well with various Apple services. It also offers browser extensions for Safari, providing a smooth experience for users within the Apple ecosystem. However, its support for non-Apple platforms and browsers is highly limited.

NordPass offers broad compatibility across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also provides extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of the platform or browser you’re using.

Login experience

Microsoft Credential Manager does a decent job with autofill and autosave for Windows apps, but it’s quite basic compared to other options. Apple Passwords excels at autofill and autosave features within the Apple ecosystem. It automatically fills in login details and saves new passwords across Safari and other supported apps, making it easy for users to manage their credentials on Apple devices.

NordPass offers robust autofill and autosave features across various browsers and applications. It ensures that your credentials are automatically filled in and saved as you browse, making password management effortless. NordPass also provides seamless integration with its mobile and desktop apps, enhancing the overall user experience.

Additional features

Some modern password managers do more than just help you manage your passwords – they offer extra features that can boost your cybersecurity and make navigating the online world somewhat easier. However, this isn’t true for all of them.

OS-specific solutions

Microsoft Credential Manager mainly focuses on handling credentials without offering much beyond that. Its key extra feature is support for Windows Hello, which allows you to log in using biometric authentication.

Apple Passwords, on the other hand, provides a wider range of features. It can detect weak, reused, and compromised passwords, generate strong new ones, and sync credentials across Apple devices. It also integrates with two-factor authentication, generating and autofilling verification codes for supported accounts. These features make Apple Passwords a more optimal choice for Apple customers.

NordPass

NordPass includes the features of Apple Passwords, such as password health checks, secure credential sharing, two-factor authentication (2FA), password generation, and data breach alerts. But it also offers some additional benefits:

• Email Masking: This feature lets users create temporary email addresses for signing up for services or newsletters so that they don’t have to share their real email addresses.

• Activity Log: With NordPass, businesses can keep an eye on all account access activity across their organizations, making sure that only the right people are getting into the right resources.

• Data Breach Scanner: Apple Passwords can alert you if your passwords are compromised, and so can NordPass. But NordPass goes a step further with its advanced data breach monitoring tool for businesses. It scans the dark web for any mentions of a company’s credentials and sends instant alerts if its business information is at risk.

• Company-Wide Settings: NordPass also lets organizations set and enforce a strong password policy for all employees. This ensures everyone uses secure passwords, enhancing overall security.

Additionally, by making it easy to onboard and offboard members, and featuring a user-friendly design that’s easy to navigate, NordPass provides a comprehensive solution that covers a lot of cybersecurity ground. This allows both individual users and organizations to protect themselves more effectively and enjoy greater freedom online.

What are the risks associated with using an OS-specific password manager?

First off, using a password manager tied to a specific OS, like Apple Passwords, can cause issues if you want to sync or access your passwords across different devices, unless they’re all from Apple. This could lock you into one vendor’s ecosystem and make it difficult to switch platforms later without losing access to your passwords. There are also potential security risks if the OS updates, which could affect how the password manager works and lead to compatibility issues or vulnerabilities.

For companies, the problems can be even bigger. Employees on different operating systems might face inefficiencies because there’s no unified solution, leading to downtime and decreased productivity. IT departments would need to manage multiple systems, which can be more complex and require more time to support and maintain. This might also mean extra training, which adds to the costs.

Additionally, since it’s uncommon for all employees to use the same brand of device, enforcing consistent security policies for multiple password managers becomes challenging. This can create security gaps and make it harder to meet some industry standards and data privacy regulations.

Give NordPass a try and form your own opinion

We could go on to explain the differences between NordPass and OS-specific password managers, and point out how we think NordPass excels in terms of security and usability. However, it’s always better to feel the difference rather than just hear about it.

Therefore, we encourage you to try our 14-day free trial for the Business plan (30 days for Premium) and see for yourself how NordPass offers an enhanced password management experience beyond what you might expect from similar tools. We’d be interested to hear your thoughts!

Why reset your Instagram password? 

Most people don’t think about changing their login details unless they forget them, but there are several reasons why you should know how to reset your Instagram password.

The primary concern when you’re online is security. For most users, Instagram’s private messenger is now one of its main appeals. Many also depend on the app to promote their business, which makes maintaining security even more essential.

Hackers are always looking for new ways to steal data, and social media accounts are tempting targets. These days, Instagram scams are rampant. Bad actors are increasingly becoming more sophisticated in the way they act. One of the best ways to combat this threat is by changing your password regularly or using a password manager.

Using the same details for multiple sites increases the risk of password cracking. The hack could spread if one account is compromised unless you can quickly change passwords elsewhere.

What happens if your Instagram is hacked?

We usually worry about attackers spying on emails or stealing banking information, but a hacked Instagram account can also be a real problem. Once a malicious actor takes control of the profile, they can change the password and lock the user out.

For many of us, Instagram is one of our main messaging services, through which we share personal photos, talk to our friends, and keep in touch with family. Would you want a stranger to access your inbox?

As we mentioned before, for many businesses and entrepreneurs, Instagram provides an essential platform for promotion and direct sales. Losing control of that account could mean a disruption in revenue and, even worse, the loss of a critical marketing channel.

Being able to change your login details is a must. You can reset Instagram passwords through a web browser if you don’t have access to your phone or directly through the app on your device.

How to change your Instagram password on the app

The process of resetting your Instagram passwords is essentially the same whether you use an iOS or Android device. Here are the steps that you should follow:

1. Open your Instagram app.

2. Click the account icon in the lower-right corner.

3. Click the three horizontal lines at the top right of the screen.

4. Click “Settings.”

5. Click “Security.”

6. On the Security page, click “Password.”

7. Input your current password.

8. Input your new password and click “Save” or the checkmark.

How to change your Instagram password on the desktop website

1. Navigate to the Instagram site on your web browser.

2. Click the account button in the top-right of the window and click “Profile.”

3. Click the “gear” button to the right of Edit Profile.

4. Click “Change Password.”

5. Input your current password.

6. Input your new password and click “Change Password.”

How to reset a forgotten Instagram password

You can reset a forgotten password through a browser or directly through the app.

1. Navigate to the login page, either in-app or through a browser.

2. Click “Forgot password?” or “Get help logging in.”

3. Input your username or email address. Depending on how you’ve set up your account, you may also be able to use your phone number.

4. Instagram will send instructions to your associated email address, which you can follow to confirm your identity and reset the password.

How to reset your password using your Facebook account

If your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook profile, you can use your Facebook account to reset your Instagram password. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Click on “Forgot password?” on the login interface.

3. Select “Log in with Facebook.” This will take you to a Facebook login screen if you’re not already logged in to Facebook on your device.

4. Log in to Facebook.

5. Follow the instructions provided to reset your Instagram password.

Additionally, if you need instructions on how to reset your Facebook password, check out our blog on the subject.

Password protection

Changing your login credentials regularly is an integral part of password best practice. To secure your accounts online, a password manager will ensure that you never get locked out of your Instagram account again.

NordPass generates complex passwords that hackers will struggle to crack, storing them in encrypted vaults. The service auto-fills forms and login interfaces, so you don’t need to worry about remembering your details.

It’s a simple solution that will strengthen your data security and make accessing social media the stress-free experience it should be.