Time to move beyond the password: Entrust

Passwords have outlived their usefulness and the IT industry desperately needs to find a way to provide users with a simpler, more secure way to validate their identity, according to research from the Entrust Cybersecurity Institute.

A global survey of 1450 consumers found that consumers are struggling to recall an ever-growing array of password credentials, with 41% of respondents from the APAC region admitted to resetting a password at least once per month because they can’t remember it, and nearly 10% doing so at least once per week.

When given the option between biometrics or a password, three in four APAC respondents will choose biometrics at least half the time, and a third will always choose biometrics while available.

Entrust CIO Mark Ruchie said these findings suggest that authentication methods need a rethink. “There’s no single or right way for organisations to authenticate customer, employee or citizen identity,” he said.

“There is always a trade-off between providing relatively frictionless access experiences and incorporating safeguards that confirm users are who they claim to be. The authentication methods you employ can — and should — change depending on the sensitivity of data users are accessing, whether you’re serving customers or employees, or if atypical login behaviours are exhibited.”

The survey suggests that consumers are having trouble keeping up with the rapid developments in the digital identity market, with one in five APAC respondents not even sure if they have an electronic ID. But 70% of these respondents also indicated that they would likely use a digital form of government-issued ID if one were available.

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