The Pros And Cons Of Password Security

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When the entire body of knowledge concerning passwords is evaluated a few things become abundantly clear. First, passwords are going to be around for some time yet. There simply are no present alternatives that are cost competitive with passwords or that users can adopt in a successful manner. While it is certainly a noble effort to explore replacements for passwords, we cannot refuse to acknowledge their continued existence in the foreseeable future.
Second, the current paradigm of rules for password management is outdated and broken. Study after study has revealed that users are not following the rules that security experts have promoted. Decades ago, computer usage was limited and users may have accessed only one or two applications. Enforcement of rules was also more manageable. Users today access dozens, if not …show more content…

True, there have been occasions where users have reused passwords across too many applications and it has caused problems. This has led to the perhaps understandable reaction of a strict prohibition on password reuse. However, this is an extreme reaction akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
The current state of computing simply requires too much from users if they are not allowed password reuse. Trying to keep dozens of passwords committed to memory is not feasible and means users simply cannot follow the rules. Giving users a set of standards they cannot hope to meet undermines the seriousness of cybersecurity and quickly relegates cybersecurity experts to the role of Chicken Little in the minds of users.
A proper schema for password reuse, though, could change that. Not only would it meet users where they are, but also give them the confidence that security experts understand their limitations and want to make a solution that works for everyone. Instead of having an adversarial atmosphere, an atmosphere of cooperation could be fostered that would benefit

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