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Passwordless Authentication Implementation Checklist

Phase 1: Assessment (Weeks 1-2)

Current State Analysis

  • [ ] Document current authentication methods
  • [ ] Count number of password-related help desk tickets (last 3 months)
  • [ ] Calculate current password-related costs
  • [ ] List all applications requiring authentication
  • [ ] Identify high-priority systems for migration

Technical Assessment

  • [ ] Audit current security infrastructure
  • [ ] Review compliance requirements
  • [ ] List supported authentication protocols
  • [ ] Identify legacy systems requiring updates
  • [ ] Check device compatibility across organization

User Analysis

  • [ ] Survey employee password pain points
  • [ ] Document accessibility requirements
  • [ ] Assess user device capabilities
  • [ ] Review remote work requirements
  • [ ] Identify potential pilot group members

Phase 2: Planning (Weeks 3-4)

Solution Selection

  • [ ] Define required features
  • [ ] Research available solutions
  • [ ] Compare vendor offerings
  • [ ] Check compatibility with existing systems
  • [ ] Request vendor demos
  • [ ] Evaluate costs and ROI

Implementation Strategy

  • [ ] Create project timeline
  • [ ] Define success metrics
  • [ ] Select pilot group
  • [ ] Design training program
  • [ ] Plan communication strategy
  • [ ] Create rollback procedures

Risk Management

  • [ ] Identify potential risks
  • [ ] Plan mitigation strategies
  • [ ] Design backup authentication methods
  • [ ] Create incident response procedures
  • [ ] Update security policies

Phase 3: Pilot Program (Month 2)

Preparation

  • [ ] Set up test environment
  • [ ] Configure selected solution
  • [ ] Create user guides
  • [ ] Train support staff
  • [ ] Prepare feedback collection tools

Pilot Launch

  • [ ] Brief pilot group
  • [ ] Distribute documentation
  • [ ] Enable new authentication method
  • [ ] Monitor system performance
  • [ ] Track help desk tickets

Evaluation

  • [ ] Collect user feedback
  • [ ] Analyze system logs
  • [ ] Review security incidents
  • [ ] Calculate actual vs. projected costs
  • [ ] Document lessons learned

Phase 4: Full Rollout (Months 3-6)

Pre-deployment

  • [ ] Update implementation plan based on pilot
  • [ ] Enhance training materials
  • [ ] Scale infrastructure
  • [ ] Prepare help desk
  • [ ] Schedule departmental rollouts

User Preparation

  • [ ] Announce timeline
  • [ ] Distribute user guides
  • [ ] Schedule training sessions
  • [ ] Set up support channels
  • [ ] Create FAQ document

Deployment

  • [ ] Roll out by department
  • [ ] Monitor system performance
  • [ ] Track user adoption
  • [ ] Address issues promptly
  • [ ] Document best practices

Post-deployment

  • [ ] Collect organization-wide feedback
  • [ ] Calculate ROI
  • [ ] Update security documentation
  • [ ] Plan legacy system retirement
  • [ ] Schedule regular reviews

Ongoing Maintenance

Regular Tasks

  • [ ] Monitor system performance
  • [ ] Update security configurations
  • [ ] Review access logs
  • [ ] Update user documentation
  • [ ] Train new employees

Quarterly Review

  • [ ] Analyze usage statistics
  • [ ] Review security incidents
  • [ ] Update risk assessment
  • [ ] Evaluate new features
  • [ ] Plan system improvements

Annual Assessment

  • [ ] Conduct security audit
  • [ ] Review vendor performance
  • [ ] Update compliance documentation
  • [ ] Assess user satisfaction
  • [ ] Calculate long-term ROI

Success Metrics Tracking

Security Metrics

  • [ ] Number of security incidents
  • [ ] Failed authentication attempts
  • [ ] Account recovery requests
  • [ ] Unauthorized access attempts
  • [ ] System uptime

User Experience Metrics

  • [ ] Login success rate
  • [ ] Authentication speed
  • [ ] Help desk tickets
  • [ ] User satisfaction scores
  • [ ] System adoption rate

Business Metrics

  • [ ] Implementation costs
  • [ ] Ongoing maintenance costs
  • [ ] Help desk savings
  • [ ] Productivity improvements
  • [ ] Total ROI

Notes:

  • Customize this checklist based on your organization's specific needs
  • Regular progress reviews recommended
  • Document all decisions and their rationale
  • Keep stakeholders informed throughout the process
  • Maintain flexibility to adjust the plan as needed