Are passwords a thing of the past?

Well, no. But, we may start seeing a trend moving away from passwords.

At this year’s Google I/O conference, the company announced Trust API, a new feature that will be available to Android developers by the end of the year that uses a combination of biometrics to create a “Trust Score.” The API uses biometrics such as your location, typing cadence, and facial recognition to determine if you are who you really say you are. If the Trust Score is over a certain number, the device will automatically log you in – no password or pin needed. If the Trust Score falls below a certain threshold, a password and two-factor authentication may be required.

We talk a lot about passwords on this blog and how poor password habits, like using easy-to-guess passwords and reusing passwords across multiple sites, can lead to identity theft. And the reality is, most consumers want east of use, which is why we see poor password habits persist. Identity access and management firm, GIgya, conducted a recent survey finding 56 percent of respondents used passwords such as names and birthdates. More alarming, only 16 percent created unique passwords for each of their online accounts.

The question remains: Are consumers ready to embrace biometrics such as location tracking and typing cadence? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, we cannot stress enough the importance of using secure and unique passwords in your day-to-day life. For tips on how to create strong passwords, check out our recent blog post on the topic.