Passwords: A Thing of the Past?

So what's the problem with passwords? Well, for starters, most of us have way too many of them. We have passwords to log onto Windows, passwords to access our email, passwords to log onto various subscription-based web sites, passwords to open protected documents, BIOS passwords to boot our computers, and so forth. Somehow we have to remember each of these, and that's not even counting the PINs to use our ATMs, security codes to arm and disarm our alarm systems, codes for retrieving our voice mail, etc. Some of us also have electronic locks on our doors, safes with digital locks, and more. It's enough to drive you batty.

What about smart cards and tokens? (A token is a device such as a USB key that has to be inserted to gain access). That's certainly a step in the right direction. But there's a problem with such devices, too - they can be lost or stolen. So cards and tokens are usually paired up with passwords or PINs. This gives you a form of multi-factor authentication and it's been in use with ATMs for decades. You have to have both the card and the password to get access. This solves the problem of someone who steals or finds a card being able to get into your computer and files, but it creates another problem. If you leave your card at home, you're locked out. Using smart cards also requires installing a card reader on your computer. USB tokens are a little more convenient, since most modern systems have one or more USB ports built in.

Read the article HERE.