![]() Allan Scherr, an MIT researcher, ferreted out the passwords of other researchers so he could use their accounts to continue his "larceny of machine time" for his own project. Read more: The best password managers of 2020 Passwords are awfulĬomputer passwords have been fraught since at least the 1960s. Finally, my colleague Scott Stein shares a cautionary tale about what can go wrong with a password manager. ![]() We provide some updated password-picking advice, because deeper password improvements will take years to arrive. We look at approaches to authentication that dispense with passwords, the shortcomings of two-factor authentication, the benefits of password managers. Such changes are a massive effort that'll affect you every time you check email, transfer money or log in to your employer's network. This week, CNET is taking a look at changes that'll help free us from password problems. "We're moving to something you have and something you are." Biometrics is something you are," said Stephen Cox, chief security architect of SecureAuth. ![]() If it delivers on its promise, FIDO will make cringeworthy passwords like "123456" relics of a bygone age. The technology, called FIDO, overhauls the log-in process, combining your phone face and fingerprint recognition and new gadgets called hardware security keys. Two-factor authentication, which requires a second passcode sent by text message or retrieved from a special app each time you log in, boosts security dramatically but can still be defeated.Ī big change, however, could eliminate passwords altogether. Services from Google, Facebook and Apple allow you to use your passwords for their services at other sites, but you have to give them even more power over your life online. Dashlane, LastPass, 1Password and other password managers generate strong and unique passwords for every account you have, but the software is complex. They're hard to remember, hackers exploit their weaknesses and fixes often bring their own problems. Editor's note: In recognition of World Password Day, CNET is republishing a selection of our stories on improving and replacing passwords.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |