As we use social media platforms, online banking account, devices (smartphone, laptops, tabs, etc.) gaming account, and any apps account (even our notes apps), we need a password! Why? Because we think that passwords are our saviour, it makes our accounts secure and protected.
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and ever-growing zero-day list, passwords are not enough to protect our sensitive information even if they are 12-15 characters long. Also, as human beings, it is hard to generate and remember unique and complex combinations of characters that don't sound like anything we have ever heard before.
So, what else do we need to secure our data or sensitive information other than passwords? Here are latest methods that we can use:
It's a security feature that verifies people's physical or behavioural features to identify them. Currently, it is the most efficient and precise physical security feature for identity verification. Biometrics are mostly applied in security systems in environments where theft is a concern or where important physical security is required. Fingerprints, voice, retinal patterns, facial recognition, and hand patterns are examples of characteristics that remain constant over time in such systems.
It is known as two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA, for multifactor authentication). An authenticator app is usually installed on a smartphone and generates a 6-8 digit code every 30 seconds. The code can be used for signing in, trading, depositing, or withdrawing funds from any account. The codes are generated from a secret key that is shared between the service that we are using (like Microsoft or Google Authenticator) and our device, at the same time. Using an authenticator app to generate our two-factor login codes is safer than a text message. The main reason behind this is that it's more difficult for a hacker to physically obtain access to our phone and generate a code without us knowing about it.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions
SSO (Single Sign-On) solutions make it easier for users to access all of their accounts. These solutions allow us to access all of our accounts with just one set of credentials, requiring us to remember only one password. When we log in to an app or a website, it checks to see if we're signed in with our SSO provider. We shall be signed in after the SSO provider confirms that we are the real user. After logging in, the SSO keeps track of our status as verified, allowing us to move throughout the site and across accounts with ease. The advantage of SSO is that it allows users to effortlessly log into accounts without having to manage multiple accounts and passwords.
Summary
With these ‘passwordless’ methods, it will reduce the risk of our data or sensitive information being stolen and cyber threats. It is so convenient as we no need to manage such passwords for different accounts. The lesser password-protected access points, hackers will increasingly rely on user and app exploits to obtain access to data and privileges.
Credits: Beyondtrust, recfaces, kraken, expertingsights