Traditional username and password authentication remains a standard practice in healthcare, but it increasingly compromises operational efficiency, patient privacy and care quality. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, over 116 data breaches exposed sensitive patient data, including medications, clinical records and Social Security numbers. Cybercriminals use tactics like phishing and malware to exploit these vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for stronger authentication measures. As a response, passwordless authentication is gaining traction, offering a more secure and streamlined approach to access management. Although the transition will take time, the next decade will likely see widespread adoption of passwordless solutions as the limitations of passwords become too costly to ignore.
The Urgent Need for Passwordless Authentication
In healthcare environments, reliance on passwords introduces significant security risks and operational inefficiencies. The consequences extend beyond IT concerns, directly impacting patient care. In 2024, ransomware attacks led to the shutdown of 389 healthcare institutions, delaying medical procedures and disrupting essential services. Given the time-sensitive nature of clinical work, medical professionals require swift and seamless authentication methods, which traditional passwords fail to provide. Reports indicate that one provider spent 45 minutes per clinician per shift solely on logging into applications, reducing valuable patient care time.
Furthermore, the increasing number of endpoints that require authentication exacerbates these inefficiencies. From electronic health records (EHRs) to imaging devices and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) applications, each point of access represents a potential security vulnerability. With global Internet of Things (IoT) devices projected to reach 32 billion by 2030, mitigating password-related risks is critical. Passwordless authentication, utilising solutions like encrypted smart cards, passkeys and biometric verification, reduces attack surfaces while alleviating the burden of password management for both clinicians and IT teams.
Key Passwordless Trends in Healthcare
The shift to passwordless authentication is well underway, with the global market expected to reach €35.5 billion ($38.3 billion) by 2028. As healthcare organisations work to strengthen security, four key trends will shape the evolution of passwordless authentication.
- FIDO Authentication Becomes More Widespread Passkeys, developed by the FIDO Alliance, are emerging as a secure alternative to passwords. With tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Apple backing this technology, passkeys are being adopted for email, cloud services and various applications. In healthcare, widespread FIDO authentication adoption will simplify authentication processes while enhancing security. Using asymmetric cryptography, passkeys minimise the risk of phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, FIDO supports diverse authentication methods, including biometrics, security keys and mobile credentials, enabling scalability across healthcare systems.
- Digital Wallets and Biometric Authentication Expand Use Cases While passwordless solutions may not suit every healthcare setting, mobile and biometric authentication are ideal for administrative and non-urgent clinical use cases. Tasks like EHR charting and application access can be streamlined through facial recognition or mobile credentials, eliminating the need for cumbersome passwords. Successful adoption requires a phased approach, ensuring smooth integration without disrupting care delivery. By implementing digital wallets and biometric authentication strategically, healthcare facilities can enhance security without compromising efficiency.
- High-Risk Industries Lead the Shift to Passwordless Security Although all industries can benefit from passwordless authentication, those facing heightened security risks—such as healthcare—are set to lead its adoption. Compliance requirements, such as HIPAA regulations, further incentivise healthcare organisations to implement passwordless technology. As organisations evaluate their security strategies, industry-specific needs and regulatory frameworks will guide the transition toward passwordless authentication.
Navigating the Transition to Passwordless Authentication
Healthcare organisations often hesitate to prioritise passwordless adoption due to legacy system challenges. However, transitioning to passwordless authentication does not require an immediate overhaul. Instead, organisations can take a phased approach, beginning with an audit of existing authentication methods. Identifying password-dependent systems allows IT teams to plan necessary infrastructure upgrades and implement pilot programs for new authentication technologies.
Phased rollouts enable organisations to address potential challenges before full-scale deployment. For instance, an initial implementation of digital wallet authentication for cloud-based applications can serve as a test case before expanding to more critical systems. Close collaboration between IT and healthcare leadership ensures smooth adoption while maintaining operational continuity and long-term scalability.
The momentum toward passwordless authentication in healthcare is undeniable. With data breaches costing an average of €4.48 million ($4.88 million) per incident, relying on passwords is no longer a sustainable security strategy. Now is the time for healthcare organisations to prepare for this shift. Evaluating current infrastructure, researching authentication solutions and partnering with technology experts are essential first steps in transitioning to passwordless authentication. By taking proactive measures, healthcare facilities can improve security, safeguard patient data and build a resilient authentication framework for the future.
Source: Healthcare IT Today
Image Credit: iStock
