You Need to Shift
to Hardware
Even Apple Thinks So...
Many businesses still rely on old security methods like passwords and SMS-based OTP authentication, even though they’ve proven not to be very secure. Passwords are easy to steal or guess, especially when people reuse them across multiple sites. SMS-based multi-factor authentication (MFA), which sends a one-time password (OTP) to your phone, has its own problems. Hackers can hijack phone numbers, intercept these codes or even steal the devices – making it easier for them to break into accounts.
Even with so many breaches happening, companies are slow to switch to safer options. But sticking to outdated methods puts your data at risk, especially with phishing attacks on the rise. That’s why more organizations are moving toward stronger, hardware-based security.
That’s also why companies like Apple are starting to encourage users to switch to hardware-based user authentication to keep their accounts safer from phishing attacks. According to Apple, “Security Keys for Apple Account is an optional advanced security feature designed for people who want extra protection from targeted attacks, such as phishing or social engineering scams.” Apple agrees that for extra protection, you want to use hardware-based authentication.
Benefits of Hardware-Based Authentication
Hardware-based authentication offers several key benefits that make it a better choice than traditional methods.
First, it’s highly resistant to phishing attacks. Devices like security keys generate unique, cryptographic codes, which means hackers can’t easily steal them through phishing scams. This makes it far more secure than passwords or SMS-based multi-factor authentication, which can be intercepted or tricked. Phishing-resistant MFA, such as Apple’s Security Keys hardware tokens, ensures that only the person with the physical device can access an account.
Another advantage is ease of use. While it may sound complicated, hardware-based authentication is simple for users. By reducing login friction, the user-friendliness of hardware-based authentication encourages adoption without sacrificing security.
And finally, hardware authentication offers durability and cost-effectiveness. Unlike passwords that need constant resetting, hardware-based authentication solutions last for years, saving businesses time and money while reducing the risk of breaches. It’s a smart, long-term investment in cybersecurity.
SIM-Based Hardware Authentication: Security Meets Convenience
At the top of the hardware-based user authentication pyramid is SIM-based user authentication. It offers stronger security and better usability compared to other hardware-based authentication solutions, like security keys, dongles, cards and wearables.
A key advantage is that SIM-based solutions leverage mobile network infrastructure, which already has strong encryption and security protocols built in. And SIM-based authentication is harder to bypass, as it ties authentication directly to a user’s phone number and SIM card, making phishing and cloning much more difficult.
From a usability perspective, SIM-based authentication is better because it doesn’t require additional hardware. Users simply need their mobile device, which most people carry with them at all times. This removes the need to carry or manage separate devices, like USB security keys or smart cards, which can be easily lost or forgotten.
The Bottom Line
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, outdated methods like passwords or SMS-based authentication are no longer safe options. Major hardware manufacturers like Apple understand that hardware-based authentication offers a future-proof solution, giving businesses the security they need to protect against increasingly sophisticated attacks like phishing. By using devices like security keys or adopting SIM-based authentication, companies can ensure that access to their systems remains protected by something physical, making unauthorized logins far less likely. The shift toward hardware authentication isn’t just about better security—it’s about making security simpler and more reliable.
