What authentication method is expected to become almost wholly dominant within 10 to 20 years?

The expectation that biometrics and context-based authentication will become almost wholly dominant in the next 10 to 20 years is rooted in the increasing need for security paired with user convenience. Biometrics, including facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scans, rely on unique physical characteristics of individuals, making them highly secure against common forms of unauthorized access. The integration of context-based authentication enhances security by considering the user's environment, such as location, device used, and behavior patterns, which adds an additional layer of verification that static methods like passwords cannot provide.

As technology evolves and the potential for identity theft and data breaches continues to rise, the reliance on traditional authentication methods, such as passwords, is seen as less secure and more cumbersome. Users often struggle with creating and remembering complex passwords, leading to unsafe practices like reusing passwords or choosing weak ones. In contrast, biometrics and context-based methods streamline the authentication process while offering enhanced security, making them more appealing for widespread adoption.

Multi-factor authentication, while still prominent, often incorporates biometrics as one of its factors. Escalated authentication typically refers to a temporary measure for heightened verification and does not represent a long-term, comprehensive shift in authentication practices. This projection aligns with ongoing advancements in technology, data security