Smartphones With Face ID And Co: Does The Password Die?

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:17

For years now, iPhone or Android cell phones have promised to make things even easier, as they allow us to access them by fingerprint (with Apple Touch ID) or face recognition (Face ID from iPhone X upwards). It is practical if you do not have to enter the access password every time, and the fingerprint and face also serve as access help to the online passwords stored in the system - very convenient. And yet these biometric features are far from being a universal solution that you can trust completely. Apple already knows why I still have to enter my access code from time to time before I can use Touch ID or Face ID again. Yes, I even know contemporaries who use the latest iPhone and only use the access code, so deliberately give Touch ID and Face ID a basket.

GIGA helps you make sensible password choices:

No more stupid passwords! - TECH facts

Curious? The current smartphone bestsellers on Amazon

Why the password in smartphones and Co. does not die for a long time - the reasons:

My personal security concerns do not go that far, but in my opinion there are plausible reasons why Face ID and Co. will not replace the password in 2020 either. Here are my considerations:

• Habit: We have gotten used to assigning passwords and are also afraid of change at this point. As the example from my private circle of iPhone users already mentioned confirms.
• Trend towards two-factor authentication: already standard with Apple and other providers, namely if you want access to sensitive data and accounts, you don't just have to identify yourself with a password (or with a face and fingerprint), but at least have to enter your data additionally confirm a second device by entering the code. Safety first. Speaking of …
• Reliability: Biometric data are not really reliable either. The systems can be outsmarted sometimes with more, sometimes with less effort. This is already happening today, but especially in a world in which artificial intelligence will increase. Securing with passwords in connection with two-factor authentication therefore seems necessary.

My thoughts on the weekend: The column wants to provide food for thought, call for discussion and reflect on the “news surge” of the week towards the end. A small selection of the previous articles in the column:

• Apple Watch Out? A look into the possible future of the smartwatch
• Going back in time with smartphones: are retro phones cool or embarrassing?
• Apple Pay with the "EiPhone": Hey Sparkasse, is it even more embarrassing?

Future of biometrics "changeable": An important question remains unanswered: Which biometric feature will still exist in the future? Apple, for example, has been using Touch ID since 2013, then in 2017 the change was made to the iPhone X and subsequently exclusively to Face ID. In 2020, Face ID could be “buried” again, because if you believe current reports, the top models of the iPhone 12 will receive a full-format display with cameras and Touch ID under the display, but without face recognition (Face ID). Again, the following applies: The lowest and most secure common denominator is the password

Better not, my friends of the password:

Start photo gallery (26 photos)

In short: The password remains with us for quite a while and we would do well to use it wisely - thinks that the use of unpredictable combinations of difficult to remember numbers, letters and characters is mandatory - people and their biometric characteristics are just that the weakest link. Happy new year and see you next week, have a nice Sunday.

Note: The opinions expressed in this article represent the views of the author only and are not necessarily the position of the entire GIGA editorial team.

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