Finding a replacement for passwords

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Keys to the kingdom

There are six primary requirements that I see for a security system to be successful in the general population: 1) The system must be ubiquitous -- there can only be one system, not a plethora of competing systems; 2) The system must be portable and usable on a myriad (the vast majority) of installations; 3) The system must be easy to use; 4) The system must be difficult to physically pilfer (e.g. from a picked pocket); 5) The system must be low or no cost to the user (both directly and indirectly); 6) and the security infrastructure outside of the user's control must be beyond reproach (i.e. not like MS, or ChoicePoint).

So far, passwords fair little worse than any other method. When agencies who boast expertise in security can be breeched, as they have always been, then there is little hope for the ordinary Joe or Jane. There will never be 100% security with any technology more complicated than the wheel (though the jury is still out about quantum methods).

Between home, work, and commerce, I have to keep track of some two-to-three dozen passwords/PINs at any given time -- some of which change weekly. It's a hassle. Do I long for something simpler? You betcha. Do I think it will make me more secure? Right now, no.

At present, the simplest solution is two-fold: create a world-wide mandate that individual passwords be no less than 8-characters long, and MUST include letters, numbers, AND symbols -- with easily cracked formats rejected; second, recognize the fact of identity theft, and have a coordinated system in place to quickly and accurately correct errors.

Posted by: potomac79   Posted on: 02/23/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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