Since 2013, May 2 has been celebrated as World Password Day by Intel. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of online security for internet users. While strong passwords are a good start, more robust protection is needed in today’s digital world.
One of the main weaknesses of passwords is reuse. Many people use the same password for multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to security risks if one account is breached. Additionally, writing down passwords or sharing them can also lead to security issues. Data breaches can also expose passwords, but there are still ways to secure accounts effectively.
To enhance security, it’s essential to add extra layers of protection to crucial accounts like banking or work apps. One way to do this is by using multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps that generate unique one-time codes. Single-use codes sent via SMS or email can also be used for MFA, as well as FIDO security keys for secure and convenient 2FA. Biometric authentication such as fingerprint, face, or voice recognition can also be implemented for added security.
The industry is moving towards a passwordless future with FIDO standards allowing for secure and fast logins using biometrics or FIDO keys, eliminating the need for passwords altogether. Hardware security is also crucial with Intel and other companies providing features like Trusted Platform Modules and Client Virtualization to create secure zones for sensitive information, as well as Intel® Hardware Shield for enhanced security at the hardware level.
Overall, it’s important to take cybersecurity seriously and implement measures beyond just strong passwords to protect our accounts from potential threats.