Is The Age of Passwords Coming to an End?

Passwords have long been the primary means of security for a flurry of Web pages, mobile applications and other services tech users encounter. For years, many users have relied on passwords as the fundamental defense against cybersecurity threats and cyberthieves. However, passwords may have become an ineffective means of protection.

Just recently, CBS News reported that five million Gmail passwords were stolen by Russian hackers. The information was posted on a foreign Bitcoin Web forum with corresponding Gmail usernames, compromising millions of victims' sensitive information. While sources told CBS News that Google was not to blame for the lapse in security, they did point fingers at users' predisposition to use the same password on multiple websites, allowing hackers to aggregate passwords from other cites. 

Many industry experts claim passwords are an antiquated means of online security, according to PCWorld. Getting users to adopt other forms of authentication is a process in and of itself. There are some alternatives that have gained some traction.

Computerworld noted that there are already many popular password alternatives bigger tech companies are currently developing. For instance, a Google NFC-based tap-to-unlock concept allows users to log in to websites and other devices by using a short-range wireless link through a personal smartphone. 

Another concept — made famous through countless spy thrillers — biometrics systems have become more popular in recent years. Fingerprint scanners are offered on many business notebooks already. At the same time, iris scanners — while more uncommon — are becoming more popular as well, according to Computerworld.

Another more unconventional device used for authentication includes Motorola's model for the Moto X — a flexible electronic device that looks like a fake tattoo. The stickers use NFC short-range wireless links to grant users access to websites similar to the smartphone concept.