Passwords are something we have used for many years and are part of our day to day. We use them to enter the mail, social networks, start Windows… Now, for some time we can say that they are coming to an end. At least, that is what it seems. But what problems could we have? In this article we are going to talk about it. We are going to explain what can happen if we stop using access keys as such.
The problems of not having passwords
We can say that it is a system that will be very useful in the future. We are going to eliminate a lot of security risks, as today there are many methods by which access keys could be stolen. That will increase security. However, today we are far from really being ready to bury passwords. There are some problems yet to be solved.
You will depend on another device
One of the problems is that in many cases we are going to depend on another device. For example, there are keys, which are like a small flash drive, to log in. They are useful, as they allow us to securely access our accounts simply by having that key on hand.
But is that really reliable? Think of a possible loss, that for some reason it stops working, etc. You will need to put a password to enter in those cases. Therefore, this method could have weaknesses in many cases and make those who want to stop using passwords and move on to another option doubtful.
Home automation also allows little by little to stop using passwords. Even to enter the house, if you have a smart lock you simply use your mobile and you can enter without having to enter codes. What happens if the mobile runs out of battery or you lose it? Again you would have to use another more traditional method.
Incompatibility of many services
There is also the problem of incompatibility. In the middle of 2023, it is true that we see more and more online services that point to the use of alternative methods to passwords. However, it is clear that we are still a long way from having a great compatibility to use all the platforms of our day to day without keys.
Surely at some point we will reach a point where many services coexist without passwords, but many others that continue with traditional access codes. It will be a process that will last for years and it will not be easy for end users, nor for those responsible for web pages or online platforms that have to gradually incorporate these alternative authentication methods.
learning barrier
Stopping using passwords can help us avoid keyloggers and other problems. But something that will happen is that there will be a learning barrier. We’ve been using passwords for decades. Moving to methods where we don’t have to put keys is not going to be easy for everyone. There will be a process that can last years.
Think, for example, of the online banking process and how older people have had (and still have) difficulties going online to carry out procedures. Everything new also has a learning barrier that can sometimes be quite significant. We’re going to run into that problem when we stop using passwords.
In short, as you can see, passwords seem to have their days numbered or at least it is the intention of many online platforms. However, as we have seen, there are different problems that still need to be solved and that can be with us for many years.
