Google has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and its latest idea looks set to revolutionise online security by making easy-to-crack passwords a thing of the past.
After announcing to the public that “it’s time to give up on elaborate password rules and look for something better”, Google’s top digital experts have suggested that security-conscious web users could soon be carrying a physical token in their pockets - rather than a complicated password in their heads - which would give them access to all their online accounts.
The tiny token or "key" could take the form of a ring or other piece of jewellery, and would contain a miniature smart pad that held its user's personal identity on it. When plugged into a laptop via a traditional USB port, the key would communicate the user's details to secure websites, allowing them to access their accounts. This shift from digital to physical security measures is thought to be a great area of interest for Google, with the Internet giant believing that the eradication of passwords would be a major blow for cyber criminals.
Other online security experts have proposed replacing passwords with the use of near field communication (NFC) technology, which would give users the power to access their accounts with just a touch from their smartphone.
Google would need mass participation from millions of websites in order to make its idea a commercial reality, while technology users would also need convincing of the merits of carrying the key to their entire digital world around with them. A prototype token, the USB YubiKey, is being tested at Google HQ, but employees admit that the widespread roll-out of such a product still remains a distant prospect.
If you’re concerned about your online security but aren’t willing to wait for Google’s innovation, then a VPN server may be for you. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security to your online activity, keeping your personal information that little bit safer from would-be criminals. A VPN server is especially useful if you’re on an unsecured network, allowing you to enter your account passwords with peace of mind.
After announcing to the public that “it’s time to give up on elaborate password rules and look for something better”, Google’s top digital experts have suggested that security-conscious web users could soon be carrying a physical token in their pockets - rather than a complicated password in their heads - which would give them access to all their online accounts.
The tiny token or "key" could take the form of a ring or other piece of jewellery, and would contain a miniature smart pad that held its user's personal identity on it. When plugged into a laptop via a traditional USB port, the key would communicate the user's details to secure websites, allowing them to access their accounts. This shift from digital to physical security measures is thought to be a great area of interest for Google, with the Internet giant believing that the eradication of passwords would be a major blow for cyber criminals.
Other online security experts have proposed replacing passwords with the use of near field communication (NFC) technology, which would give users the power to access their accounts with just a touch from their smartphone.
Google would need mass participation from millions of websites in order to make its idea a commercial reality, while technology users would also need convincing of the merits of carrying the key to their entire digital world around with them. A prototype token, the USB YubiKey, is being tested at Google HQ, but employees admit that the widespread roll-out of such a product still remains a distant prospect.
If you’re concerned about your online security but aren’t willing to wait for Google’s innovation, then a VPN server may be for you. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security to your online activity, keeping your personal information that little bit safer from would-be criminals. A VPN server is especially useful if you’re on an unsecured network, allowing you to enter your account passwords with peace of mind.
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