The internet has come a long way in a short space of time, expanding from 130 websites in 1993 to 1.9 billion in 2022. During this period, online technology has progressed in myriad ways as well, and it is now possible to do almost anything on the web.
The strange thing is that, despite all this evolution, some aspects of the internet are antiquated. Passwords are a totally outdated form of security, but they’re still used ubiquitously. Hopefully, artificial intelligence will soon work wonders for the online world.
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Why are Passwords Still in Existence?
Many people think that passwords should have died out decades ago. The research surrounding their usage brings to light some shocking revelations. ExpressVPN discovered that passwords all around the world are recycled by various users, making life incredibly easy for hackers. People tend to go for simple options because they’re more straightforward to remember. But this puts them at greater risk.
To ensure that your accounts are safe online, it’s recommended that you choose a long password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. The problem is that these codes are impossible to remember, so having a password manager installed is key. This isn’t always viable, however, when switching between different devices.
The best way to stay safe online these days is to use multifactor authentication, where you input a password and then a code from your phone. The problem with this is its inconvenience, and internet users are crying out for better solutions.
Biometrics are The Next Phase
According to Precise Biometrics, fingerprint and face scanners will soon be everywhere. The company predicts that the next phase of online security will see users logging onto devices and sites without having to take many actions themselves.
Many of the most up-to-date smartphones and laptops are now being fitted with state-of-the-art face and fingerprint scanners. These allow users to log on seamlessly without even realizing they’ve been through any security protocols. It’s almost impossible for people to log on without the right biometric credentials as well.
In the future, these biometric scanners on internet-ready devices will be streamlined and integrated with websites. That should mean an end to passwords, with AI Business noting that Apple, Google, and Microsoft have all pledged to help with this transition.
AI Should Have a Big Impact As Well
Even though biometrics appears to be the answer that internet users have been waiting for, there’s no doubt that cybercriminals will also adapt their methods to breach the new protocols. This is where AI is expected to play a crucial role.
Computer security algorithms will be able to hunt for threats online and offer explanations about how to combat future cyberattacks. They will look for bad bots that are spreading malicious software online and act against them. The best thing about AI is that it learns on the job and will come up with new ways of preventing attacks that humans may not have considered.
The new era of cybersecurity is on the way, and we could soon be saying goodbye to passwords once and for all. Biometrics will be the next major phase, but AI is another game-changer to watch out for.
