As individuals, organizations, and governments adapt to the security needs of the 21st century, the password, one of the world’s oldest security measures, is facing challenges from a relative upstart, biometrics. The downside of the password is that you have to remember it. Many also reuse passwords or never change their passwords, rendering them less secure. Biometrics (fingerprints, iris patterns, heart rhythms), on the other hand, are unique identifiers that require no remembering. ButΒ as this story in the Guardian points out, biometrics can also be hacked. So which of these two worthy contenders will prevail? Biometrics are likely to increase in popularity, but don’t declare the password dead just yet. If a security system has been around for several thousands of years, it’s probably not going away anytime soon.
Check out this article in the Mac Observer for an irreverent take on the bad passwords we all know an love and some tips for making passwords stronger.