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Passwords have been essential to our digital lives for a long time. We use them to protect ourselves and ensure only we can access our personal data. However, cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever, and passwords might not be enough to keep you safe. In this article, we’ll explain what World Password Day is, what it means in today’s world, and help you understand how Proton Pass can help.
What is World Password Day?
Every year on the first Thursday of May, World Password Day reminds us that we must take care of our online accounts. Traditionally, we’ve used passwords to keep us safe online while we work, study, shop, and manage our money and healthcare. But in the fight against cybercrime, new methods of passwordless login have emerged: Multi-factor authentication, biometric login, and passkeys have introduced a streamlined login experience that strengthens your online security.
Why does World Password Day matter?
World Password Day is an opportunity to continue an ongoing conversation about how to protect our online accounts. We want to feed into that conversation because the internet is what people turn to first when looking for advice.
In the past, password security meant creating strong, unique passwords that you changed regularly. But is that received wisdom still up to date? Should you still change your passwords regularly or include a minimum of 10 characters? Is creating and managing unique, secure passwords for hundreds of accounts even doable?
It can be hard to keep up with the latest standards, which is why we at Proton try to make it easy for you use the latest authentication methods in all of our services. (You don’t need to update your passwords(new window) as often as you think, by the way.)
With Proton Pass, you can create secure new passwords, store them, and autofill them, but you can do more than just manage passwords. Think of Proton Pass as not just a password manager but a place to store and manage your whole digital identity.
Is the future passwordless?
It’s been theorized that we won’t use passwords in the future. That’s possible, but right now, passwordless authentication is only supported on newer devices. It’s likely you’ll use a mix of login methods for the foreseeable future, and we recommend that you get comfortable with new methods of logging into your accounts.
Instead of thinking about just passwords, let’s think about the act of logging in. Gaining access to an account means verifying your identity. Beyond simply using a password, what is available to you?
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
The best way to verify your identity is by using more than one type of evidence that you are who you say you are. Two-factor authentication (2FA) allows you to use two or more methods to verify your identity. These can include:
- Something you have (such as a security token or Yubikey, an ID card, or a one-time password (OTP))
- Something you are (such as your fingerprint or face ID)
- Something you know (such as your password or a passphrase)
Using 2FA creates extra layers of security that protect your sensitive data. It’s a great idea, but most websites and apps only support one or two methods, limiting your choice (or making it impossible if you don’t have the right hardware). Moving beyond traditional passwords and embracing 2FA can be easier when you’re using a password manager.
Proton Pass can help you integrate 2FA and biometric login into your accounts. You can use the built-in 2FA authenticator in Proton Pass to generate one-time use codes to log into your other accounts. You can also use 2FA to access your Proton Pass account.
Biometric login is also available to log in to your Proton Pass account. Using your fingerprint or face ID, you can access your account from any device. It’s almost impossible for a hacker to bypass biometric authentication, which makes it both a secure and a convenient login method.
Passkeys
Passkeys are a newer authentication method that isn’t widely supported by apps and websites. They allow you to log in to an account with a single click — no further verification is required. Instead, the passkey, as one half of a set of unique cryptographic keys that’s stored on your device, is your verification method. They’re available for use on any device, but many passkey developers, including Apple, lock you into using passkeys solely on their own devices. You can use them on any device and share them if you need to let someone else into your account.
Proton Pass supports passkeys across any and all platforms and devices, so you can keep all of yours in a single, secure location. Where supported, we recommend creating passkeys to log in to your accounts. They’re secure by design and make your life easier.
Do businesses still need passwords?
Trends indicate that businesses face the same threats as individuals from cybercriminals, but the cost of a mistake can be much higher. The Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report(new window) found a 37% increase in instances of ransomware from 2023, and Verizon notes that ransomware is “disproportionally affecting small organizations”. Businesses handling customer data are held to regulatory standards. They stand to lose reputation, customers, and money if they’re affected by data breaches.
So, businesses need to protect themselves and their employees with the right tool. They also need visibility of the logins occurring in their business networks and enforceable cybersecurity standards for team members. Thankfully, all of the login methods we’ve mentioned above are also available for users of Proton Pass for Business. Proton Pass can help team members store and manage passwords and protect your business network. Let’s take a closer look at how.
Streamlined logins with single sign-on (SSO)
Single sign-on (SSO) allows team members to access all their work accounts using a single set of credentials. SSO verifies a team member’s identity once when they log into Proton Pass, and then Proton Pass can verify their identity every time they log into a new website or app. Team members don’t even need to rely on autofilling different passwords, further reducing password-related friction.
A centralized identity management tool within your business password manager also makes it easy for admins to oversee all login activity within your business network. Valuable time spent resetting passwords or onboarding and offboarding is reclaimed, allowing admins to spend more time on valuable strategic work. Proton Pass Professional makes SSO available for your business, reducing password-related issues and risks.
Increased business security with team policies
As an admin in Proton Pass, you can create password and login policies that are enforced for all team members on your plan. These include:
- Password generator rules. Enforce character requirements for all new passwords created within Proton Pass and ensure that your best practices are always followed.
- Require 2FA: Team members must use a form of 2FA to access their accounts, decreasing the likelihood of data breaches.
- Lock app after inactivity: Essential business data is stored in your business password manager, so requiring users to log in regularly can protect it.
Team policies are flexible and customizable depending on your business needs. Instead of simply requiring team members to memorize hundreds of secure passwords, you can give them a tool that helps them work faster and safer.
Choose Proton Pass for logging in
This World Password Day, you have the opportunity to invest in the security of all of your accounts and your private data. However you choose to protect yourself online, Proton Pass can support you. A password manager doesn’t just store your passwords: it’s your digital identity manager. Choose a secure, end-to-end encrypted tool to keep yourself safe online: Get a month of Proton Pass Plus for $1.
