I hope the 7/14/14 WSJ article “The Password Is Finally Dying” is correct. It reports that Google is working on a yet unnamed protocol that allows you to connect to your online accounts on any device by authenticating yourself with your smartphone – using a code sent to you or even a “smart ring.” Google demonstrated a laptop that was unlocked just by the presence of one’s Smartphone. Keep in mind it’s very simple to wipe your phone remotely if it is lost or stolen, which reduces risk. ATM’s currently use “two-factor authorization.” A 6-word passcode is texted to your phone, because no one else in the world has your phone and the International system for sending texts is, according to experts, almost impossible to hack, resulting in a login system that is much more secure than a password alone. If an APP is used, the text will work even if you have no cell coverage. Probably, hackers will eventually learn to do the two-step, but in the meantime not having to remember (or not remember) so many unique passwords sounds ideal. Now if it only worked for names.
July 16, 2014
