Why Is Identity Management So Inconvenient?

Managing identity across many online platforms can feel overwhelming. 

Whether it’s remembering passwords, setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA), or navigating account recovery, users often find the process frustrating. 

But why is identity management so challenging?

1. Too many accounts and credentials

On average, users manage around 100 online accounts, each with unique login requirements. Security experts recommend creating strong, unique passwords for every account, yet it’s nearly impossible to remember them all. Password managers can help, but even they add another layer of complexity.

2. Several login options

Every platform has its own approach to authentication. Some use password-based systems, others incorporate social logins via different providers. 

Have you ever tried logging in with your email only to realize later that you had used a social login for that website? This scenario is quite common.

3. Balancing security and usability

Identity management solutions prioritize security, but this often comes at the expense of user experience. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), while highly effective, requires several devices, codes, or apps. This is great for protecting sensitive data but can be a hassle for users.

4. Complex recovery processes

Forgot your password? You may need to go through recovery questions, email verifications, or contact support. While these steps are essential for security, they can be frustrating.

5. Privacy concerns

Social logins offered by e.g. Google or Facebook are convenient but raise privacy concerns. People worry that their data might be shared or used for targeted advertising and choose traditional, more cumbersome methods instead.

How can identity management improve?

Identity management can be frustrating, but things are starting to change for the better. 

Innovations like passwordless authentication, decentralized identity models, and more advanced multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems are gradually transforming how we handle access to online platforms. These solutions improve security and the user experience at the same time. 

For now, users can reduce some headaches by using password managers that securely store and autofill credentials. 

Passkeys are another promising solution. They enable secure, password-free logins and are already supported by almost 200 major platforms. As more services adopt passkeys, the user experience will become both simpler and safer.

Further progress will depend on a collaboration between tech companies and usability experts to create secure yet user-friendly systems. Until then, managing digital identities will continue to be a balancing act for users and platforms alike.