WatchGuard Technologies, a company specialized in unified cybersecurity, presents a reflection on this World Password Day, which is celebrated on May 2nd. Most users use passwords as a form of authentication on their devices. Watchguard questions whether the more conventional approach is the best option for ensuring your security.
The digital scenario is surrounded by new risks and cyberthreats, which emerge daily, and which allow us to reflect on how we guarantee our security and privacy. Using a password, as a digital barrier, may no longer be the best option for protecting our data. Despite being a legitimate and functional way, there are other options that may be more beneficial for the user.
The passkey, or access key, instead of a password, represents a significant change in the identity security sector. Its use offers an alternative to traditional security authentication and is considered a more secure approach.
It uses biometric data to unlock devices, instead of a password, and does not allow the same data to be shared with any website or the recording of your data for future use. In other words, it is a form of “non-knowledge” authentication, which prevents the memorization of your data, which eliminates the current risks inherent to traditional credentials.
WatchGuard recommends that you don’t just read about the advantages of using a passkey and create one. Exit as:
• Sign in to your Google Account at myaccount.google.com using your Chrome browser.
• On the left side of the window, click Security.
• In the “How to sign in to Google” section, click Access keys.
• Click on the “Create an access key” button.
• Follow the instructions to verify your identity and “Save your access key”.
• Set the option to ignore passwords whenever possible in the security settings.
• Test your access key by logging out and logging in again.
Click here and find out what conditions are necessary for creating a passkey.
For users who remain “fans” of using passwords as a form of authentication, we reinforce the importance of cyber hygiene and password management practices:
• Avoid using weak and reused passwords, always opt for complex options, with more than 16 characters or unique phrases for each login.
• Choose a password manager: these allow the automatic creation of complex passwords and offer the possibility of saving them, so you don’t have to memorize them. However, we remember that its isolated use is insufficient. Also use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which allows greater protection of your accounts.
