As technology advances and incidents of cybersecurity threats become common, authentication technologies constantly have to keep evolving. Many experts are now looking into password authentication alternatives such as biometrics, multi-factor authentication and behavioral analysis.
Generally, accounts get hacked because of poorly managed, weak or easy to guess passwords. Below, we discuss the most common misconceptions concerning passwords:
Myth: Biometrics Solve all Security Problems
Biometrics offer an easy way to remember passwords, by not having to. All you need is your finger for access. This is a secure authentication method when you have single-factor authentication. It also makes it hard for hackers to access your accounts as a fingerprint and retina scan is a set of 1s and 0s.
However, if someone was to get possession of your fingerprints, then they’d have access to all accounts you secure using your fingerprint, including your bank account. It’s not like you can purchase new fingerprints online.
Myth: Online Password Checkers are Accurate
Many sites provide password ratings that let you know if your password is between weak and very strong. They may also provide suggestions to better your password strength.
However, studies have shown that the system does not know what order makes the strongest password, meaning that throwing letters and numbers together because the password checker told you to may not give you a very strong password.
Myth: Maximum Security Requires a Complex Password
Many believe that a complex and unique password is virtually unhackable and hence secure for your account. However, since hacking is mostly carried out by a computer system, it’ll only take a few seconds to get your password. If you use 8 characters or less, it’s even easier. Cybersecurity experts advocate for passwords which are at least 16 characters long.
In any case though, one can never be completely immune to phishing, social engineering or man-in-the-middle attacks.
Myth: Two factor Authentication is Reliable
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the best ways to secure your account password. It is however not 100% impenetrable. The use of social engineering by hackers is an effective way to bypass your 2FA and have access your account. Not to mean it isn’t safe. Having 2FA makes your account much safer as compared to without it. Note that having a 2FA with a weak password is no different than having no password at all.
Currently, SMS verification is a secure and convenient way to verify whether the person who accessed the account is the owner.
Google Authenticator is another alternative that generates verification codes that are sent to your phone before one is allowed access to their account.
Passwords are still the most effective and secure methods though, so ensure your password is unique, long and is a combination of both upper case and lower case letters, numbers as well as special characters. Adding two-factor authentication provides extra protection. With this in place, access to mining equipment and data will be restricted to authorized personnel, which could be helpful for mining companies including Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF).
About MiningNewsWire
MiningNewsWire (MNW) is a specialized communications platform focused on developments and opportunities in the global resources sector. The company provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, and (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, MNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, MNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. MNW is where news, content and information converge.
To receive SMS text alerts from MiningNewsWire, text “BigHole” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.miningnewswire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the MiningNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by MNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.miningnewswire.com/Disclaimer
MiningNewsWire
Los Angeles, California
www.miningnewswire.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@MiningNewsWire.com
MiningNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
