Password On Media #5

- iOS 8 Update Will Pack Simpler App Login Thanks To Safari Password Sharing Feature

http://www.designntrend.com/articles/15384/20140613/ios-8-update-simpler-app-login-safari-password-sharing-feature.htm

“App logins and set-ups will be easier than ever before with the iOS 8 update, as Apple's new Continuity APIs have opened up the door for iOS apps to access usernames and passwords stored on Safari, 9to5Mac reports.”

My comment:  Convenient indeed!  And, this convenience could be easily shared by criminals when the password is not strong enough.

- Eureka! Sports site authenticates users sans the password hassle

http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/06/eureka-sports-site-authenticates-users-sans-the-password-hassle/

“When done right, secret URLs could be suitable for protecting lower-value accounts.”

My comment:  It should be recommended only for the lowest-value accounts.

- Your Heartbeat May Soon Be Your Only Password

http://innovationinsights.wired.com/insights/2014/06/heartbeat-may-soon-password/

“In effect, the Nymi turns a person’s own heartbeat into a unique key that can be used to unlock any conceivable device.”

My comment:  I am afraid that those people are not paying enough attention to the nature of biometric data.  The near-zero false acceptance can be achieved only when we have to suffer a very high false rejection, which forces us to use a password for self-rescue.  The result would be the security lower than when only a password is used although a marginally better convenience could be enjoyed.

- Biometrics Institute claims biometrics better than passwords

http://www.planetbiometrics.com/article-details/i/2021/

“Implemented well, however, biometrics offer far greater security, privacy protection and user convenience than single factor password protection or two factor non biometric systems, BI claims.”

My comment:  I could agree that biometrics might be better than passwords if biometrics stopped relying on a password for self-rescue against false rejection altogether while retaining a sufficient level of false acceptance.

- The danger of passwords and PINs in online education

http://www.ecampusnews.com/technologies/passwords-pins-287/

“Biometrics technology isn’t just a more effective way of monitoring online exams, but a cost-saving solution for colleges and universities. Traditional passwords could become a thing of the past.”

My comment:  When falsely rejected while trying the biometrics, you will rescue yourself by keying a password.  The password would thus become a thing of the past.  Is this what you are going to teach children?