Authsignal

Overview

Authsignal is a drop-in authentication and step-up layer that slots into existing apps and identity stacks. Founded in 2021 in Auckland, it focuses on passwordless flows, passkeys, and risk-based step-up challenges, with fraud signals that decide when to prompt for stronger verification. It is an authentication orchestration layer rather than a full CIAM platform, so you keep your existing IdP and directory.

What it is good at

Step-up and risk-based authentication are the specialty. Authsignal lets you insert challenges at sensitive moments (high-value transactions, account changes) and choose the method (passkey, OTP, authenticator) based on risk signals, without rebuilding your login. Passwordless and passkey support is strong, the integration is developer-friendly, and because it layers on top of what you already run, adoption does not require migrating your system of record.

Where it falls short

It is deliberately not a full identity platform: there is no complete user directory, broad federation, or deep governance, so it complements rather than replaces your IdP. That means an extra component to integrate and operate. Teams looking for one platform to own authentication, directory, and governance should look to a full CIAM instead.

Pricing

Usage-based with a free tier. Because it adds a layer rather than replacing your stack, weigh the combined cost with the TCO calculator.

Best for, and who should look elsewhere

Choose Authsignal to add drop-in passwordless and fraud-aware step-up to an existing app. For passwordless inside a fuller platform, compare Stytch and Descope; for passkey-first products, see Passage and Corbado.

Bottom line

A focused drop-in for passwordless and risk-based step-up authentication, layered on your existing identity rather than replacing it.