A password is the standard procedure if you want to have convenient security online. No wonder it’s quickly become the most popular way of accessing websites and data. In reality passwords are a basic security measure, but not very effective. They open doors to hackers and scammers and provide a false sense of security. As technology progresses, passwords are on track to die off and be replaced with sophisticated alternatives.
Why are Passwords Dying
We use passwords for everything we do online, banking, email, social media, shopping, and pretty much everything else. With passwords we feel safe and secure, but the reality is we are anything but. The passwords we choose to use are often simple, used many times, and easy to work out.
Financial institutions are only too aware of this and they are some of the first advocates of multi-factor authentication processes. When you think about this, however, there are more and more companies and websites employing alternative authentication to bolster password security. As technology continues to improve, passwords could die off altogether.
What’s Replacing Passwords
One of the most effective replacements for everyday passwords is biometric identification. This is usually fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. You might think biometric security is something from a science fiction movie, but chances are you’re using it already as a primary or secondary security measure.
Biometric security is so effective because it provides high level individualized security that is convenient and effective. This is especially important for accessing our devices and websites quickly, and means we no longer have to remember several passwords or have them written down where they can be read and copied.
The Future of Digital Security
In some quarters biometric security alone is not the answer either and more sophisticated solutions are being developed. One such system is called FIDO2. FIDO stands for Fast IDentity Online. It uses several technologies including biometric data to create a layered security system across the internet that is virtually impenetrable.
FIDO2 would spell the end for usernames and passwords on websites, instead using cryptographic login credentials that are unique to each user across all systems and devices. With FIDO2 there would be no need to login to different websites with different user login details. Your FIDO code would be tied to your biometric data and valid for you across all platforms. This system would effectively eliminate phishing scams and password theft.
Conclusion
The reality of passwords is that they are an increasingly ineffective way to secure passageway, and the result is that our password lures us into a false sense of security which allows more successful scams to happen. While passwords may be on their way out, they are not obsolete yet and until they are we should use them as effectively as we can.
In time passwords will be a thing of the past, replaced with biometric alternatives and
managed cybersecurity. Biometric data is unique fingerprint patterns and facial recognition tied to an individual. It’s an effective replacement for passwords as it’s ultra secure and very convenient, and FIDO2 technology will also continue to revolutionize the internet and make our online security better than ever.