Passwords are dying, but the risks remain.

Passwordless authentication removes shared secrets, cutting phishing and credential-stuffing attacks at the root. But it does not remove the need for threat detection. When identity relies on passkeys, biometrics, magic links, or WebAuthn tokens, attackers shift to device theft, token replay, session hijacking, or exploiting weak recovery flows.

Effective passwordless authentication threat detection focuses on patterns, signals, and context. Monitor unusual login velocity—access from different geographies within minutes. Flag anomalies in device fingerprints—same credential used from new hardware with no prior history. Track failed authentication attempts paired with successful ones from a different IP or ASN. Look for changes in FIDO key metadata or sudden reliance on backup codes.

Machine learning can enhance detection, but precision matters more than bulk alerts. Systems should integrate real‑time checks without slowing sign‑in flows, weighing risk scores against adaptive step‑up authentication. Strong logging matters: store cryptographic proof of each authentication, including attestation data, so you can trace events and respond quickly.

Passwordless only works when the threat model is complete. Deploy continuous monitoring alongside secure key storage, hardened recovery, and zero‑trust network access. Hunger for convenience should never outpace control.

Test live detection for passwordless systems at hoop.dev—see it work in minutes, and watch every suspicious signal without slowing the sign‑in.