Unified Passwordless Authentication and ESG Impact at AuthenTrend
Background
AuthenTrend provides authentication solutions that simplify and secure both physical and digital access. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, AuthenTrend aimed to modernize its own workplace security and set an example for passwordless, eco-conscious operations.
The goal was to unify employee access across physical spaces and digital systems while aligning with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
The ATKey.Card NFC was chosen as the foundation: a biometric, passwordless smart card that supports FIDO2, NFC, and Smart Card (PIV) standards, replacing traditional badges and passwords with secure fingerprint-based authentication.
Challenges
AuthenTrend’s offices includes both in-house employees and outsourced contractors working in a hybrid environment using Windows and macOS systems. Several challenges emerged:
No 24/7 IT management. The company required an authentication solution that was intuitive to deploy, manage, and maintain.
Mixed working environment. A unified authentication approach was needed for both company-owned and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups.
Employees needed to authenticate across various touchpoints:
Physical access: elevators, entry doors, and secure rooms.
Digital access: devices and key business applications.
Enterprise systems: Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, GitLab, GitHub, SAP ERP, and HubSpot CRM.
Password-based authentication led to slow logins, forgotten credentials, and vulnerability to phishing attacks.
ESG commitment. The company aimed to reduce paper and plastic waste by consolidating access functions into a single, sustainable device.
Solution
AuthenTrend implemented the ATKey.Card NFC, integrating it into the office’s existing access control and identity systems. The deployment created a unified authentication ecosystem that combined physical security, digital access, and ESG efficiency.
Unified Access with ATKey.Card NFC
Replaced all plastic access badges with NFC-enabled smart cards.
Enabled tap-to-enter for elevators, doors, and restricted rooms.
Extended functionality to passwordless device logins via FIDO2.
Passwordless Digital Authentication
Windows & macOS devices: Employees logged in by tapping their card, with fingerprint verification ensuring personal, phishing-resistant access.
Enterprise applications: Integrated with Microsoft Entra ID for passwordless authentication across Microsoft 365, GitLab, GitHub, SAP ERP, and HubSpot CRM.
Seamless experience: No passwords, no PINs — users authenticated instantly and securely across all systems.
ESG and Sustainability Benefits
Replaced plastic ID badges and printed business cards with a single reusable smart card.
Reduced paper-based authentication workflows, supporting a paperless office initiative.
Integrated Tapni digital business cards for environmentally friendly contact sharing.
Simplified Administration
Eliminated the need for dedicated IT staff to manage credentials.
Centralized credential provisioning and revocation via Microsoft Entra ID.
Reduced operational overhead and improved audit traceability.
Conclusion
By adopting its own ATKey.Card NFC solution, AuthenTrend’s Taipei office achieved a unified, passwordless, and eco-friendly workplace. The project streamlined employee access, enhanced productivity, and demonstrated how strong authentication and ESG goals can coexist.
ATKey.Card NFC proved to be more than just a credential — it became a sustainable, secure identity bridge connecting people, devices, and environments.