Which of the following is NOT an example of passwordless authentication?

Passwordless authentication enhances security and user experience by eliminating the need for traditional passwords, which are often vulnerable to phishing and other forms of attack.

Traditional passwords require users to remember and enter a combination of characters that can be easily compromised. In contrast, passwordless authentication methods rely on alternative factors or devices to confirm a user's identity without the need for a password. This includes techniques such as biometrics (like facial recognition or fingerprints), security keys, and software tokens that generate temporary codes for user verification.

Software tokens, Windows Hello, and FIDO2 security keys are all examples of passwordless authentication because they do not require the user to recall a password. These methods utilize different verification techniques that are more secure and user-friendly. For instance, Windows Hello uses biometric recognition, while FIDO2 security keys provide a physical device-based authentication process.

Understanding the distinctions among these options highlights the importance of modern authentication methods in strengthening security while simplifying the user experience.