For decades, passwords have been the default method of protecting digital accounts. But as our online lives expand, so do the cracks in this system. Users often fall into risky habits: reusing the same password across multiple platforms, choosing simple combinations like “123456,” or saving them insecurely.
These behaviors create fertile ground for cyberattacks. According to Cybernews (2025), more than 19 billion passwords leaked worldwide between 2024 and 2025, with 94% being weak or reused. The problem is not limited to global markets—Indonesia, too, has seen massive breaches due to poor password practices.
The Growing Weakness of Passwords
Passwords suffer from three fundamental problems:
- Easy to steal or guess. Common or reused credentials are easy targets.
- Hard to remember. The stronger the password, the less user-friendly it becomes.
- Cumbersome to use. Re-entering passwords reduces convenience, especially in mobile-first environments.
These weaknesses have real consequences. A GoodFirms survey found that weak passwords caused 30% of security breaches, while 81% of breaches overall involve stolen or weak credentials (Zipdo, 2024). The conclusion is clear: passwords are becoming more liability than protection.
Case Studies from Indonesia: A Password Crisis at Home
Indonesia has been no stranger to password-related incidents:
- National Data Centre Attack (2024). A ransomware strike on PDN-2 in Surabaya was linked to weak password practices. Reports indicated that credentials were poorly managed, making the attack easier to execute (GovInsider, 2024).
- Cybersecurity Landscape 2023 (BSSN). Indonesia’s National Cyber and Crypto Agency reported 347 cyber incidents in 2023, with data breaches dominating the list. Vulnerability scans across 586 electronic systems found 2,860 flaws, many tied to poor credential management.
These examples highlight that the “password problem” is not just theoretical—it’s a pressing national issue.
Global Shift: Biometric Authentication as the New Standard
Worldwide, industries are adopting biometric authentication—fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or even voice—as the future of secure access. Its appeal lies in three main factors:
- Stronger security. Biometric traits are unique and hard to replicate.
- Frictionless experience. No need to remember or retype strings of characters.
- Speed. Login happens in seconds, ideal for modern mobile banking, fintech, and e-commerce.
Research supports this shift. A study published on arXiv (2021) found that facial authentication outperformed passwords in both user satisfaction and security for electronic health records. In Indonesia, multiple academic studies (Telkom University, UMI Makassar, Unived 2024) confirmed that user acceptance of biometrics is strongly driven by perceived security and ease of use, particularly in mobile banking contexts.
Challenges and Considerations with Biometrics
Biometric authentication is not flawless. Challenges include:
- Privacy concerns. Users worry about how biometric data is stored and who can access it.
- False positives/negatives. Errors can still occur in identification.
- Device limitations. Hardware quality (e.g., cameras or sensors) impacts performance.
- Implementation cost. Institutions must invest in robust systems and infrastructure.
These challenges underscore why biometric adoption must come with strong encryption, user education, and regulatory oversight—especially in emerging markets like Indonesia.
Introducing ASLI PASS: Beyond Passwords
Recognizing both the weaknesses of passwords and the promise of biometrics, ASLI RI has developed ASLI PASS—a biometric authentication solution designed for modern enterprises.
With ASLI PASS:
- Users no longer need to juggle or reuse passwords.
- Identity is verified through biometrics, providing stronger protection against fraud.
- The login process is secure, seamless, and user-friendly—essential for industries like banking, fintech, and government services.
Data privacy is prioritized with encrypted storage and controlled access, addressing user concerns head-on.
Conclusion: Time to Move Beyond Passwords
Passwords may still exist, but their relevance is fading fast. Global studies, national case studies, and user behavior all point to the same conclusion: password reliance creates more risk than safety.
Biometric authentication—when implemented responsibly—offers the balance of security and convenience today’s digital economy demands. For Indonesia, where major breaches have shown the dangers of poor password practices, the shift is not just a trend, but a necessity.
With solutions like ASLI PASS, businesses and institutions can leave behind outdated systems and step confidently into a future of smarter, safer authentication.
Last modified: October 6, 2025
