[BLOG] THE WISE GENERATION

The end of passwords is here, hello biometrics!

It is an open secret that our secrets are usually protected by the same password. If it’s not the same, we are probably using very similar passwords to access our communication and/or service apps; or they are inspired by the same formula. It’s no surprise that every day we have to manage dozens of passwords to access many mobile applications. The problem is that, given this situation, it’s also no surprise that attacking our applications is as easy as “pie” for cybercriminals. Watch out! We announce the end of passwords!  To this end, the world’s leading technology companies have recently agreed to join the FIDO initiative, which aims to eliminate passwords and replace them with our biometric data. We’re talking about giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. This biometric access system is presented as a more convenient and secure method. As of today, this agreement has not yet resulted in anything concrete, but it certainly represents a major step forward on the long road to security. It seems the industry now agrees on recognizing the password problem, which currently is a real headache for users and, consequently, for the technology industry itself. Studies indicate that a significant one-third of the population repeats the same password. We are all aware of the danger this poses if we suffer a cyberattack: once the password is known, there is free access to all applications and platforms that require it. That’s why the industry is moving toward biometrics as the main security system to access our profiles in a way that is also more convenient. When the new system is established, users will be able to log in the same way they now unlock their smartphones or tablets: through a PIN code or a facial recognition or fingerprint system. From that moment on, the new biometric unlocking system will be more secure than two-factor verifications based on one-time codes sent by SMS.   The announcement of the end of passwords will provide users with two new ways to log in: Automatically access their FIDO login credentials without having to re-register each account. Use FIDO authentication on their mobile devices to log in, regardless of the operating system they have.   The forecast for the implementation of these new features points to next year, 2023, as the date when they will be available on all platforms. Does your device have any biometric unlocking system? If so, you are already benefiting from all the advantages biometric systems can offer the end user.