A World Without Passwords?

Earlier this week we covered the breaking news about Google looking to use alternatives for passwords. Lets take a closer look at what technology is involved.

Passwords have long been viewed as a weakness within the world of digital security.  Instead of passwords, Google engineers would propose to use a dedicated device, for identity confirmation.  Experimentation performed by Google allowed users to use a YubiKey, a cryptographic USB card, in order to confirm identity.  Though it was currently in a USB format for experimentation purposes, Google has indicated that future versions of the technology would be wireless.  They also indicated that it would probably be integrated with a device that you already own, like a smartphone. Perhaps the most exciting part about all of this is that it wouldn’t be solely dependent on Google.  Rather, you would only need to run a browser that supports the protocol that Google has created.

It all sounds very exciting, but until the rest of the internet climbs on board, it isn’t likely that you will be going password free any time soon.  However, there are many things you can do to increase your security when using passwords.  The simplest thing, and perhaps most important, is to use different passwords for different services.  Remembering multiple complex passwords can be difficult, but it is important to have dedicated passwords for each service you use.  Using the same password all over the internet only increases the chance that your security will be compromised.

If you can’t fathom coming up with that many passwords, or keeping track of them, you can try a password management service.  Many password managers will generate passwords for you, as well as store them.  It may sound like a hassle, but it is necessary until passwords are a thing of the past.  This, if Google has a say, may be sooner than you think.

[Image via thedailysteeple]