The password remains the weakest link in any security structure. It has already been responsible for some of the most devastating security breaches around the world.
Today, it is difficult to find a platform, shop, program, or device that is not protected by a password. These passwords have one goal: to verify your identity. However, this protection can be compromised if somebody lays hands on your password. So, how can you kill the password while continuing to provide extensive security to your business? Read on to find out.
Biometric authentication
New identity verification methods have been growing steadily over the past few years. As technology develops, systems that use our biological features have taken centre stage. For instance, many of the latest smartphones now use biometric fingerprint scanners instead of a password to unlock a phone. Inevitably, using biometrics to secure your website and online financial accounts will be the next step.
The fingerprint verification process involves one or two steps. You just need to put your finger or thumb on your smartphone’s scanner. After you have put your fingerprint on the scanner, the device will pick some patterns from your fingerprint and compare them with those in the secured database. You will only be able to access your phone if the two unique features match. Using biometrics not only reduces the number of identification steps but also eliminates the use of passwords.
Many new biometric scanners are entering common usage. For example, Mastercard has developed facial recognition technology to identify a cardholder during online shopping. These new biometric innovations are likely to reduce or eliminate the use of passwords.
Social media authentication
Using social media to log into your online accounts is another way to kill the password. This authentication technique leverages the strong verification processes that are used by social media platforms. Twitter and Facebook are the most commonly used platforms for authentication.
Social media authentication comes with many benefits, such as the following:
- You don’t need to create a new password every now and then.
- You will have access to free and large storage spaces across various online platforms.
- You can create more online accounts because the process of inputting data will be simpler.
Therefore, if you are in sales and marketing, ditching the password in favour of social media integration can be a smart move because you will start using a user-friendly and secure method of online verification.
Email identity validation
Email authentication was the first password alternative to achieve mass usage. In fact, your password is in some way tied to your email account.
Since your email is a key component of your online passwords, you must take measures to protect it from hackers. That is why the main email platform providers, such as Outlook, Yahoo, and Gmail, have started instituting two-factor authentication measures. At some point, these email authentication factors have become so powerful that you can use them to verify your identity.
You may not have noticed this, but email identity validation has been a key part of online account protection. These passwords are the gateway to access controls that protect digital assets. For instance, when you create a new account on any website, you will receive a confirmation email. This is a form of identity validation that requires you to confirm your identity by using your email.
Key takeaway
Many organisations are still using passwords to provide identity validation within the authentication process. While these passwords do provide a certain level of security, they can easily be compromised. That is why killing the password is the latest trend in digital security. Contact us for more information.
