2012 may be known as the year that broke the password. We were continually hearing about a website, e-mail server or Twitter account that got hacked and ruined someone’s day. Google’s had enough. In a report that will be published later this month, Google’s security team looks to the future of passwords, and they’re a lot more physical than you might think. The team has designed a USB-based Yubico log-on device that they’re testing now. This device would automatically sign you into Google after you plug it into your computer. Pretty neat. This device opens up a whole world of possibilities, like having your phone near a computer automatically log you into and out of sites, or even a wearable ring that would let log you in by tapping your PC. While these options would make remote hacking far more difficult, a physical password presents other issues. Lose your ring? Get your phone stolen? Better report it stolen or find it quick!
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.