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Password Manager Industry Moves Toward Passwordless Future
Dashlane has reportedly joined the growing movement toward eliminating passwords by introducing passwordless access to its password management platform through integration with Yubico security keys, according to industry reports. This development addresses what password management experts have described as the “last vulnerable mile” of credential security – the master password protecting the password manager itself.
Sources indicate that approximately 98% of cybersecurity breaches begin with password phishing scams, despite widespread security training programs. The push toward passwordless authentication represents an industry-wide effort to combat this persistent threat, with the WebAuthn standard and passkey technology emerging as potential solutions.
How Passwordless Password Managers Work
Analysts suggest the fundamental challenge with passwordless password managers has been what’s known as the “chicken-and-egg paradox.” Traditionally, users needed to log into their password manager to access passkeys for other services, but logging into the password manager itself required a password.
The new approach leverages the WebAuthn PRF extension to the WebAuthn standard, allowing physical security keys to serve dual purposes. These authenticator devices not only store the passkey for accessing Dashlane but also provide the cryptographic material for encrypting and decrypting the user’s vault.
Dashlane follows other early adopters in this space, including BitWarden, which has demonstrated similar functionality, and Google’s implementation through its Advanced Protection Program.
Critical Limitations and Security Trade-offs
The report states that Dashlane’s passwordless implementation comes with two significant limitations that may delay widespread adoption. The most immediate concern is mobile compatibility – the feature reportedly won’t work on iOS or Android versions of Dashlane until early 2024 due to gaps in how mobile platforms support the draft standard.
Rew Islam, Dashlane’s director of product innovation, explained to sources that while major tech companies have embraced passkeys, they haven’t fully implemented all aspects of the specification for roaming authenticators on mobile platforms. “On iOS and Android, some of the plumbing for roaming authenticator support is just missing,” Islam reportedly stated.
The second major consideration involves backup and recovery. Unlike traditional password recovery options, losing a physical security key means permanent loss of access to the password manager. Islam emphasized that introducing any automated recovery mechanism would compromise the phishing-resistant nature of the solution, telling sources, “If we guaranteed 100% availability of your account, then there’s literally no security.”
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Implementation Requirements and User Responsibility
Users opting for Dashlane’s passwordless feature must use Yubico’s physical security keys, which connect via USB or NFC wireless technology. These devices function similarly to the secure enclaves in Apple devices or TPM chips in Windows computers, each containing unique cryptographic material that distinguishes it from other authenticators, including Google’s Titans security keys.
The report indicates that users must initialize backup security keys during setup to protect against loss. “You’ve got to set up an extra key,” Islam reportedly advised. “You stow that key wherever you want or even go with multiple roaming authenticators.” This requirement introduces new logistical challenges for users who must carefully manage physical key storage and transportation.
Industry observers note that while Dashlane and other password managers are advancing passwordless technology, the current implementation represents a transitional phase in broader cybersecurity evolution. The approach demonstrates both the potential and the practical challenges of eliminating passwords entirely from digital authentication systems.
Industry Implications and Future Developments
Analysts suggest that Dashlane’s strategic decision to launch with current limitations reflects the company’s commitment to driving industry adoption of the WebAuthn PRF standard. Islam reportedly described the situation as intentionally creating “discomfort to push certain things in the industry forward,” indicating that the company views this as a necessary step in the broader transition to passwordless authentication.
The technology demonstration available through industry developments shows how the standard works in practice, while ongoing related innovations in authentication technology continue to shape market trends. As the passwordless ecosystem matures, experts anticipate improved mobile support and more streamlined backup solutions that could address current implementation challenges.
For now, sources indicate that users requiring mobile access to their password manager should delay transitioning to Dashlane’s passwordless option until the mobile compatibility issues are resolved in early 2024, as the conversion process is reportedly irreversible.
This article aggregates information from publicly available sources. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.
