A consortium of some of the world’s biggest tech companies is working on a new authentication system that would kill off passwords altogether. The initiative, which is being led by FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance, includes heavy hitters like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung, as well as financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard. The group is developing a new set of open standards for authentication that would rely on factors like biometrics (fingerprints, facial recognition), environmental readings (tapping into the unique identifiers of devices like smartphones and laptops), and even behavioral patterns (the way users interact with their devices).
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As we move increasingly into a digital world, it’s becoming more and more important to have safe and secure ways of accessing our information. With this in mind, big tech companies are planning to kill off passwords altogether and replace them with other authentication methods. While this may seem like a good idea, in theory, a few potential problems could arise. Let’s look at some of the possible consequences of this change and what we can do to prepare for it.
1. Passwords May No Longer Be Secure
One of the biggest problems with relying on passwords for authentication is that they can be easily compromised. Hackers can often access user accounts by guessing common passwords or using tricks like phishing schemes to obtain login information. If we move away from passwords and towards other authentication methods like biometrics, we may be opening ourselves up to even more security risks. Biometric data can be stolen or hacked, and if it falls into the wrong hands, attackers could have easy access to our accounts.
2. Increased Spending on Users’ Education
Another potential downside of moving away from passwords is that tech companies may have to spend more money on educating users like international STEM education and explaining why password-based authentication is still the most secure option. If people are encouraged to use alternative authentication methods, they may be less likely to take the necessary precautions to keep their passwords safe.
1. Higher Implementation Costs
One of the main consequences of ditching passwords is that it would increase implementation costs for both users and tech companies. For users, this would mean having to remember multiple authentication methods, such as a password, PIN, and fingerprint scan. For tech companies, this would mean developing new technologies to verify user identities. Both of these would require additional time and money investment.
2. More User Confusion
One more potential consequence of dismissing passwords is that it could lead to more user confusion. With multiple authentication methods required, users could find it difficult to remember how to log in to their accounts. This could lead to frustration and decreased productivity as people spend time trying to figure out how to log in.
3. Increased Reliance on Technology
A potential benefit of moving away from passwords is that it could lead to increased reliance on technology. With technology taking over the role of verifying user identities, people could become increasingly dependent on it. This change is fruitful in terms of security, as technology is far more reliable than humans when recalling passwords and other identifying information.
What will happen to passwords when big tech moves to kill them off altogether? This is just one of the questions that this blog post poses. It looked at some of the potential replacements for passwords and discussed the pros and cons. To stay up-to-date on the latest in cyber security, read our articles, international human rights news, latest news on international trade, and the world market, and updates on the cop26 agreement.