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A recent IT report indicates that IT teams are eager to abandon passwords. An impressive 85% of the IT administrators surveyed believe that implementing biometrics could significantly enhance security. However, 68% of these admins noted that fewer than half of the devices they manage currently support biometric authentication. This considerable discrepancy presents a significant opportunity for Apple, as every Apple device is equipped with biometrics right out of the box.
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers oversaw an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Drawing on his experience in deploying and managing firewalls, switches, mobile device management systems, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, thousands of Macs, and iPads, Bradley shares insights on how Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, construct supportive networks, train users, and recounts real-life experiences from IT management, along with potential improvements for Apple products geared toward IT departments.
Touch ID and Face ID have been integral parts of the iPhone for 11 years and have been available on Macs since 2016. As it stands, every iPad, Mac, and iPhone comes equipped with out-of-the-box biometric capabilities. However, the crucial question remains: If IT leaders recognize biometric authentication as a pivotal advancement, why aren’t Apple’s biometric systems being adopted as the standard for enterprise security?
Passwords pose a security risk—and IT teams are aware
The consensus among IT teams is clear: passwords are problematic due to their susceptibility to phishing attacks. Apple has been advocating for passkey adoption across macOS and iOS, a passwordless authentication system (developed by the FIDO Alliance) that utilizes biometrics or a device-based key. The FIDO Alliance collaborates with prominent device manufacturers and password managers to enhance the standard (portability advancements are forthcoming). Meanwhile, enterprise IT teams grapple with weak password policies, multi-factor authentication fatigue, and an increase in cybersecurity threats.
The report highlights the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks, with poorly managed passwords being an easy target for hackers. Despite being aware of this risk, IT teams continue to lag behind in deploying more secure alternatives, with 98% of respondents still relying on password-based systems for at least some IT resources.
If biometric security is the future, Apple possesses the essential components needed to excel. Touch ID is now standard on MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard, providing a swift, secure option tied to Apple’s Secure Enclave. This keeps biometric data safeguarded from potential attacks and stays localized on the device. For years, I have asserted that Apple’s strategic decision to not synchronize biometric data across iCloud has proven sound in hindsight.
The data is compelling; IT admins prefer biometrics to bolster their security frameworks, yet many organizations still opt for devices lacking biometric support. In my view, this is a strategic oversight. As Apple Silicon Macs grow in popularity within enterprises, the time has come for IT leaders to prioritize hardware that facilitates seamless biometric integration for both IT and end users. Purchasing devices without biometric capabilities in 2025 would be a disregard for optimal security practices.
One long-term consideration for Apple should be ensuring that biometrics are always accessible, even after a Mac restart. We need to achieve seamless biometric functionality to transition fully into a passwordless era.
JumpCloud’s report underscores the clear message: IT teams recognize that biometrics signify the future, but they are not implementing them swiftly enough. Apple is already ahead with Touch ID, Face ID, Secure Enclave, and passkeys—all that’s left is for enterprise IT to align their acquisition strategies appropriately. This positioning primes Apple for continued robust growth within the enterprise sector.
You can access the complete report here.
Apple @ Work is proudly presented by Mosyle, the only comprehensive Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the sole solution that combines all essential tools into a single, professional-grade platform, enabling smooth and automatic deployment, management, and protection of Apple devices in the workplace. More than 45,000 organizations rely on Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices operational effortlessly and affordably. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and discover why Mosyle is your go-to solution for Apple.
