Passwords: Are they going extinct?

Imagine a world without passwords where everyone can see what you are doing; it would be chaotic, as so many secrets would be revealed and a lot of blackmail.

The concept of passwords dates back to ancient times, with sentries guarding city gates using secret words to identify friends from foes.

Passwords debuted in the 1960s at MIT, where they were implemented to secure time-sharing computer systems. As personal computers and the internet became ubiquitous, passwords quickly became the default method for securing digital accounts.

Passwords are the first line of defence for our online identities and sensitive information. But what exactly are passwords, how do they work, and are they still the best option for security in the modern age?

This article delves into the fundamentals of passwords, explores best practices for creating and managing them, and examines emerging alternatives that may shape or alter digital authentication's future.

What is a Password?

At its core, a password is a string of characters used to verify a user's identity during the authentication process. Typically used with a username, passwords are designed to be known only to the user, granting access to devices, applications, or websites.

They can vary in length and complexity, often incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Passwords come in various forms, sometimes referred to by different names based on their composition:

• Passphrase: A password that uses multiple words
• Passcode or PIN: A numeric-only password, often used for mobile devices or ATMs

Fundamentally, a password is a simple application of challenge-response authentication.
Users who enter their password respond to a challenge request with a verbal, written, or typed code. The security strength of a password is determined mainly by the order and variety of its characters.

Creating Secure Passwords

The efficacy of passwords as a security mechanism hinges on their complexity and their secrecy. To maximize password strength, many organizations implement password policies that guide users in creating robust passwords and adopting best practices for credential management.

Here are some critical guidelines for creating secure passwords:

• Length: Aim for a minimum of 8 characters, with a maximum between 16 to 64 characters. While there's no strict upper limit, extremely long passwords offer diminishing returns in terms of security.

• Character Variety: Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters (with case sensitivity), numbers, and special characters. This increases the password's complexity and makes it harder to crack.

• Avoid Personal Information: Steer clear of easily guessable elements like names of children, pets, or birthdates.

• Use Passphrases: Consider using a passphrase that combines several words and interchange numbers and symbols. For example, "My hobby is buying shoes online" could become "Myho88y!$ buYing$HO3$ 0nlin3."

• Acronym Method: Use the first letter of each word in a long sentence to create a complex string. For instance, "I spend all my money in the shoe department at Nordstrom because their shoes are great" could become "I$@MM1TSD@N8T$AG."

• Utilize Password Managers: Consider using a password management tool to securely generate and store complex passwords.

  Common Password Vulnerabilities

Despite the importance of strong passwords, many users still fall into common traps that weaken their digital security. Some prevalent password vulnerabilities include:

• Using the word "password" as a password
• Employing sequential numbers (e.g., "12345678")
• Including easily obtainable personal information
• Reusing passwords across multiple accounts

The consequences of weak passwords can be severe. The SolarWinds hack of 2020 serves as a stark reminder of this fact. In this incident, attackers gained access to SolarWinds' update server by simply guessing the password "solarwinds123," leading to a widespread compromise of numerous organizations.

Password Expiration and Change Frequency

Its composition doesn't solely determine the strength of a password; its lifespan also plays a crucial role. Many corporate password policies include expiration dates, typically 90 to 180 days, after which users must create new passwords.

Some sophisticated systems even prevent users from creating new passwords that closely resemble their previous ones, such as Google mail.

However, the practice of frequent password changes has come under scrutiny in recent years. Some security experts argue it can lead to weaker passwords as users struggle to remember new combinations, often resorting to simpler, more easily guessed passwords.

While there have been a lot of efforts to strengthen passwords and make them more secure, the world is changing from quantum computing to the power of AI; passwords are slowly becoming a problem rather than a solution.

The AI Challenge

The emergence of artificial intelligence has further weakened passwords. Advanced AI algorithms can now crack most passwords in under a minute. Even complex passwords with a mix of characters are vulnerable; seven-letter passwords can be cracked in under six minutes, regardless of their composition.

This AI-powered threat has forced organizations to implement increasingly complex password requirements, leading to what experts call "security fatigue." Users, overwhelmed by the need to create and remember numerous complex passwords, often resort to unsafe practices like writing them down or reusing them across accounts.

Beyond Passwords: The Rise of Passwordless Authentication

As the limitations of passwords become increasingly apparent, the tech industry is moving towards passwordless solutions. These new methods aim to enhance security while improving user experience. Some key passwordless technologies include:

• Passwordless Authentication: This method eliminates the need for a traditional password. Instead, users receive a one-time authentication code via text message, email, or another messaging service.

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA requires users to provide two forms of identification, typically something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a smartphone) or something they are (like a fingerprint).

• Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Similar to 2FA, it may include more than two factors for authentication.

• Biometrics: This method authenticates users based on physiological characteristics (like fingerprints or retinal scans) or behavioural characteristics (like typing patterns or voice recognition).

• Security Tokens: Physical devices like smart cards or key fobs that users carry to authorize access.

• One-Time Passwords (OTP): Automatically generated passwords valid for only a single transaction or session.

• Social Login: This allows users to authenticate themselves on applications or websites by connecting through a social media account like Facebook or Google.

  Passkeys: The Future of Authentication?

Passkeys represent a significant leap forward in authentication technology. Major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google have collaborated to develop and implement passkey technology.

Passkeys work by creating a unique cryptographic key pair for each account. The private key is stored securely on the user's device, while the public key is stored on the server. When logging in, the server sends a challenge that can only be signed by the private key.

The user then authenticates using a biometric factor (like a fingerprint or facial recognition) or a device PIN to approve using the private key.
This system offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Security: Since the private key never leaves the user's device, it's much harder for attackers to compromise.

2. Improved User Experience: Users don't need to remember complex passwords; they can use the same biometric or PIN they use to unlock their devices.

3. Phishing Resistance: Passkeys are tied to specific websites, making them resistant to phishing attacks.

4. Cross-Device Compatibility: Many passkey systems allow for secure syncing across devices, ensuring users can access their accounts even if they lose a device.

Real-world adoption of passkeys is already underway. In May 2023, Google began allowing users to log into Google websites using passkeys, marking a significant milestone in passwordless authentication.

The Transition Period

While the future may be passwordless, the transition won't happen overnight. Many systems still rely on passwords, and it will take time for all services to adopt new authentication methods. During this transition period, we will likely see a hybrid approach, with passkeys and other passwordless methods coexisting with traditional passwords.

Password managers are adapting to this new reality. Some, like Dashlane, now offer the ability to store passkeys alongside passwords. This hybrid approach allows users to gradually transition to passwordless authentication as more services begin to support it.

Implications for Industries

The move towards passwordless authentication has significant implications for various industries, particularly those dealing with sensitive information. Law firms, for instance, are beginning to embrace passwordless solutions.

Passwordless authentication offers a robust solution to these challenges.

In the financial sector, where security is paramount, passwordless authentication could revolutionize how customers access their accounts. Banks could offer more secure and user-friendly experiences, potentially reducing fraud and improving customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Considerations

While passwordless authentication offers numerous benefits, it's not without challenges:

1. Legacy System Compatibility: Many older systems may struggle to integrate with new authentication methods.

2. User Education: People are accustomed to passwords; educating users about new authentication methods will be crucial.

3. Recovery Processes: Robust account recovery methods must be in place when users lose access to their authentication device.

4. Privacy Concerns: Using biometric data for authentication raises data storage and privacy questions.

   Conclusion

While passwords remain a fundamental aspect of digital security, their effectiveness depends on proper creation and management.

As cyber threats evolve, so too must our approaches to authentication. By understanding the basics of password security and staying informed about emerging alternatives, users and organizations can better protect their digital assets in an increasingly connected world.

Remember, the most robust security measures are only as effective as the practices of those who use them. Whether sticking with traditional passwords or exploring newer authentication methods, vigilance and adherence to best practices are vital to maintaining robust digital security.