- Passwords are not the surest way to protect personal information
- Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft join the FIDO alliance
- More secure technology is a nuisance for those who want to share access to their accounts
Passwords are not the surest way to protect personal information
The average person has around 100 passwords for accessing accounts ranging from email to bank accounts. While passwords are easy to use, they have serious drawbacks - more than 80% of data leaks are caused by human error. Despite their widespread use, passwords are not the most reliable way to protect personal information. Experts point out that technological innovations are gradually replacing this outdated protection method.
Cybersecurity experts have long agreed that passkeys are a more secure means of logging in and may even replace passwords. Previously, Google only allowed you to store your passkeys in Password Manager on Android, but is now introducing a feature to synchronize passkeys automatically. This makes using them easier across Android, Windows, and macOS platforms.
Once the access key is saved, it is synchronized with all of the user's devices, regardless of which device is being used. Users need to know their Google Password Manager PIN or screen lock to set up keys on a new device.
Users can choose a PIN of six digits or more for added security. This update adds an extra layer of security by ensuring that access keys are encrypted and inaccessible to anyone, including Google.
Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft join the FIDO alliance
Major technology companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft have formed the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) alliance to create a more secure way to log in to accounts that replaces traditional text-based passwords. This led to the development of access key technology that makes logging into online accounts easier and more secure.
Access keys are a modern and reliable authentication method that allows users to access applications and websites without remembering or entering passwords. Identity is verified by biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition or by PIN, making the authentication process faster and more secure.
Access keys are rapidly growing, but the biggest barrier is that not all websites support this technology. Nevertheless, more and more companies are starting to implement access key systems. These already include Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Uber, eBay and many others.
More secure technology is a nuisance for those who want to share access to their accounts
Paradoxically, more advanced and more secure technologies are inconveniencing those who want to share access to their accounts and purchase services legally. A Forbes Advisor 2023 study of 2,000 Americans found that as many as 56% of people share their account passwords with friends and family.
One reason access keys don't appeal to everyone is that they prevent you from sharing your account password with others. For example, in the past, many people were quick to share Netflix logins, but for businesses, this is clearly a hassle. Sharing passwords not only increases the risk of users' data being vulnerable but also reduces profits.
According to the expert, Google does not recommend sharing passwords because of the potential for security breaches. Similarly, Netflix took strict measures last summer to prevent users from sharing account passwords with others.
Currently, websites that support key-login technology still offer the option of a traditional password-sharing login. However, companies stress that sharing passwords or access keys, even with trusted individuals, is not recommended.
While access keys do not eliminate all security challenges, they do raise the bar significantly for hackers, making data theft much more difficult and demanding. By integrating third-party services into access key systems, leading technology companies have brought us much closer to a password-free world. Consumers are now more comfortable with advanced authentication tools and access keys are likely to become the authentication method of choice.
It should be noted that you can further protect your personal data by using Tele2's automatic Internet Protection service. This service identifies infected pages, alerts users and blocks access to them. It also identifies fake e-shops and e-banking sites where hackers imitate real web pages to obtain passwords, payment card details and other sensitive information.
Based on press reports
