Passwords are the main barrier that we have so that there are no intruders in our accounts. They must be unique, complex, and have the characteristics necessary for problems. However over time these passwords have changed. Nowadays we can use biometric authentication, for example showing our face, putting the fingerprint or even the voice. Now, can they really do away with traditional passwords ?
Is it the end of traditional passwords?
If we think about how we signed in a few years ago and how we do it now, we will surely find changes. One of the main ones is that nowadays we do not always need to put the password of our email or social networks, for example, when we constantly log in to the same computer. There are what we know as password managers , which allows us to skip this step and save time.
But in addition, traditional passwords, those that have alphanumeric characters and other special symbols, are giving way to other methods of logging in . For example, instead of putting the access code for our bank account on the mobile, it is possible that we can simply enter with our fingerprint if we have it configured for it.
It is just an example, since more and more tools and applications allow you to log in through biometric methods. As we can see they are putting aside traditional passwords.
The truth is that although there are factors that are beneficial with the use of fingerprints, facial recognition or voice, there are also negative ones. Traditional passwords, for example, can be changed frequently, as many times as we want. In the event that a password is stolen or we suspect that it may have been leaked into a service that has been attacked, we simply have to change it and that’s it. But can we change our fingerprint?
It should also be taken into account that biometric keys have certain vulnerabilities at least for the moment. For example, it has been shown how some users have been able to open a cell phone belonging to their relatives with facial recognition. That problem wouldn’t exist with traditional passwords.
The future is having hybrid passwords
Computer security experts assure that at least in the short term, traditional passwords will not be forgotten , but will change the way we use them. We are aimed at having hybrid keys.
By hybrid passwords we mean a traditional key, one that has letters, numbers, and other symbols, but coupled with other methods such as two-factor authentication. This is what really gives us an extra security barrier to prevent accounts from being stolen even if someone finds out the password. It would take that second step.
By adding an additional layer to login, one more step, we are making it difficult for anyone to get in. We are keeping the traditional passwords, but also adding that extra security.
Also, keep in mind that more and more websites and registration platforms require us to have a really strong password. This is to avoid passwords such as “123456” or personal names, for example. They require us to create passwords that have upper and lower case letters, numbers and other symbols to make them much more complex. Can we make our fingerprint more complex? The most we can hope for is that the applications we are using are really reliable.
In short, at least in the short term, traditional passwords have a long life. Of course, we are heading to have more complex keys, also joining the possibility of using other additional methods such as two-step authentication. We leave you a tutorial with tips to create secure passwords.