Christian Bergeron
Information Security Analyst,
University of Connecticut
The Future of Authentication: Passwordless and Token-Based Security
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 3:15PM–4:00PM PT | California Promenade, Second Floor
Session Type:
Poster
Delivery Format:
Poster Session
Passwords have long been a weak link in cybersecurity, with weak or compromised credentials frequently leading to account breaches. The burden of managing multiple passwords often results in poor user practices, increased help desk interactions, and greater organizational risk. Compounding this challenge, the rise of phishing-as-a-service has made it easier for threat actors to launch targeted attacks using realistic login pages and readily available phishing kits to harvest credentials. This session explores how passwordless and token-based authentication are transforming secure access and supporting the shift away from traditional credentials. We will examine how passwordless authentication and strong multi-factor authentication reduce the attack surface, improve account security, streamline the login experience, and decrease password-related support costs, ultimately strengthening an organization’s overall security posture. Attendees will gain an overview of the primary passwordless authentication technologies and protocols, along with practical insights into adopting these solutions within existing systems to modernize identity management.
