The password is dead, long live the password.
Crystal Pugh
Leading IT Transformations | Risk Analysis & Compliance @ Cyber Protection CS
The death of the password is inevitable. With more and more data breaches happening every year, it's becoming increasingly clear that passwords are no longer an effective form of authentication. In this blog post, we'll discuss why passwords are on their way out and what the future of authentication will look like. We'll also show you how to create strong passwords and keep them safe and secure.
The death of the password
The death of the password is inevitable. With more and more data breaches happening every year, it's becoming increasingly clear that passwords are no longer an effective form of authentication. In this blog post, we'll discuss why passwords are on their way out and what the future of authentication will look like. We'll also show you how to create strong
Why passwords are no longer effective
There are a number of reasons why passwords are no longer effective. First and foremost, they can be easily guessed or hacked. Second, people tend to use the same password for multiple accounts, which makes it even easier for hackers to access multiple accounts if they manage to get hold of one password. Finally, passwords can be lost or forgotten. Hackers can use the password reset process to easily gain access to an account.
How to create strong passwords
If you're going to continue using passwords, it's important to create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using easily guessed words like "password" or easily accessible personal information like pet names, birthdate, or address info.
How to keep your passwords safe.
Entering unique passwords for every account is a simple first step. Keeping up with unique passwords is simplified with a password management tool. There are many tools available to use. The key is to find what works best for you and your lifestyle. If you have trouble remembering all of your passwords, consider using a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane. These tools simplify accessing all the unique passwords whether on the phone, chrome, safari, or explorer using browser extensions. They also make it easy to securely share passwords with others. The next level of securing the traditional password is MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
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Add an extra layer of security with MFA.
While passwords are no longer an effective form of authentication, there are still a number of steps you can take to secure your accounts. First and foremost, you should enable two-factor authentication (also known as two-step verification). This adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone. Accounts are verified with something you know, like a password, and something you have, like a phone or certificate.
*DO THIS NOW
If you don't have MFA on your google or microsoft accounts set it up now!! Download an authentication app and setting up MFA on your email account.
Alternatives to traditional passwords
There are a number of alternatives to traditional passwords that are becoming increasingly popular. Personally, I am not a fan of biometric authentication. I don't want access to any part of my body to be a factor of theft. Other multi-factor alternatives include OTP (One Time Passwords) and FIDO (Fast IDentity Online). OTPs are typically generated by an app on your phone and are used in addition to a username and password. FIDO is a hardware device, such as a USB key that is used to verify your identity.
What does the future of authentication look like? Two-factor authentication is becoming more popular, and new companies are popping up with innovative solutions to help businesses move away from traditional passwords. If you’re interested in learning more about how two-factor authentication can benefit your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for more information. I would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on implementing this security measure. Comment below with your favorite MFA or alternative password tools!