For the longest time, our passwords were, and maybe still are, the last line of defense before hackers compromise our data. Cracking passwords back in the day wasn’t as easy, and that’s why people had simple options like their birthdays, names or even repeating the word ‘password’.
Fast forward to today, and cyberattacks have become more lethal, thanks to advanced technology. Your simple password won’t cut it anymore, and that’s why many sites always suggest you make it stronger. They’ll require you to add more characters, add a capital letter or number, and add special symbols.
The problem with that is trying to remember such complex passwords isn’t easy, and you’ll keep on hitting ‘forgot password’. Seeing this as a challenge, many companies are now adopting superior data protection measures like multifactor authentication, biometric authentication, and passkeys. They provide tighter security and won’t stress you trying to remember every character of your password.
Multifactor Authentication
Traditional passwords work in a very easy way. A site will require you to type in your password, and the credentials will be stored. For you to have a successful login, the password you type in and the saved credentials must match, otherwise access is denied. This provides a layer of security, but can still be easily compromised.
Multifactor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security. You’ll have to verify your account multiple times before you get access to it. There are several MFA measures, but the most common are security questions, PIN codes, One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone or email, and authentication apps like Google Authenticator. Once you enter your password, you’ll need to complete an extra verification step, like those mentioned above.
Companies and sites that deal with finances or store personal data will most often have this security feature. For an industry like casino gaming, which involves both financial transactions and personal data, security is a top priority. You’ll be depositing and withdrawing funds, and adding personal details like your address and contacts.
That’s why online casinos are heavily regulated and have measures to protect your data. Even no deposit casinos that might not require a deposit to get you started will still need to protect your data.
Biometric Authentication
Biometric security systems are some of the safest measures because they require biological features to grant one access. They are quite common in the smartphone market with Apple’s popular Face ID system and Android’s fingerprint scan. Some biological characteristics used include the user’s face, fingerprint, iris, and voice.
These features are unique to an individual, and it’s hard to replicate or forge them. So, it would be difficult for an unauthorized user to impersonate someone. Unlike passwords, it’s impossible to share your biometric identification, so even for companies, this is a safe system where users can’t deny involvement in any activity related to their account.
One of the biggest advantages of biometric authentication is that you don’t have to memorize passwords. They offer a user-friendly and seamless way to access your account. Even though some people remain skeptical of biometric authentication due to data sensitivity concerns, it is gaining wider adoption as a security measure.
Passkeys
In a future predicted to be password-free, passkeys are a promising alternative. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have developed passkeys that depend on public-key encryption for security. One of the keys is held by the company managing the account, and the other is stored on the user’s device. The passkey can also be synced to cloud servers and requires a biometric scan or passcode before one can access it.
Passkeys can be shared across various devices and trusted individuals, making them a versatile security option. The only challenge with passkeys is they haven’t become widespread, so you may have to revert to your password for some platforms.
The Future of Data Security
Traditional passwords had their time, and the future will focus on the security measures mentioned above. In a recent survey conducted at the BlackHat USA Conference 2023, 79% of participants agreed that passwords have become obsolete.
73% of attendees mentioned they use some form of MFA, while 57% use authentication apps. Cyberthreats continue to evolve, and one solution for keeping your data safe is to use the latest security features.
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