3 Reasons Higher Education Should Consider Passwordless Authentication

By Mike Gillan
PasswordlessArticleEducation

Higher education is a top target for cyberattacks. Learn why universities are replacing passwords with passwordless authentication to boost security, cut IT costs, and improve user experience.

3 Reasons Higher Education Institutions Should Consider Passwordless Authentication

As higher education institutions continue their digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. With students and faculty relying heavily on digital platforms for learning, research, and collaboration, universities and colleges have become prime targets for cyberattacks.

The Rising Threat Landscape in Higher Education

According to IBM Security’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, the average cost of a data breach in the education sector is $3.86 million. The report also places education among the top 10 industries for breach costs, with phishing attacks accounting for a significant portion of security incidents.

Universities face a unique combination of challenges:

  • Large, transient user bases of students and staff
  • A mix of legacy systems and cloud platforms
  • High-value research data and intellectual property

Despite investments in cybersecurity tools, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and awareness training, many institutions still rely on traditional passwords—an inherently weak link in the security chain.

Why Passwords Are No Longer Sufficient

Passwords remain one of the most vulnerable attack vectors. They are:

  • Easy to phish or steal
  • Frequently reused across platforms
  • Often weak or easy to guess

Even MFA, while a step up, isn’t foolproof—especially when it relies on SMS-based codes or insecure backup methods.

The Case for Passwordless Authentication in Higher Education

Passwordless authentication eliminates the need for passwords entirely. Instead, it uses secure methods such as biometrics, digital certificates, or device-based authentication. Here's why it’s a game-changer for higher education:

1. Enhanced Security

Passwordless solutions are inherently more secure:

  • Resistant to phishing and credential stuffing
  • Eliminates password reuse and weak credentials
  • Reduces risk of unauthorized access

Biometric authentication, cryptographic keys, or FIDO2-compatible methods provide robust protection with minimal friction.

2. Better User Experience

Students, faculty, and staff no longer need to remember or reset passwords. This leads to:

  • Faster logins
  • Less user frustration
  • Seamless access across devices and services

3. Lower IT Overhead

Password resets and account lockouts are a drain on IT resources. By going passwordless, institutions can:

  • Cut helpdesk costs
  • Reduce administrative burden
  • Focus IT efforts on proactive security initiatives

Real-World Example: Durham College

BlokSec’s Immutable Authentication™ platform helps colleges and universities implement secure, user-friendly passwordless access.

Durham College is one institution that has already adopted BlokSec’s solution, gaining improvements in both security and user satisfaction.

Next Steps: Bring Passwordless to Your Campus

Ready to explore passwordless authentication for your institution?

Contact BlokSec to schedule a personalized demo and discover how easy it is to integrate secure login for students, faculty, and staff—without the hassle of passwords.