IT in Europe, Security Edition: Password security standards and trends
Passwords have long been a security problem. This IT in Europe: Security Edition looks at password trends and alternative forms of authentication.
Editor's note: The articles featured below originally appeared in the winter 2011 edition of IT in Europe magazine, Information Security Edition, which covered password security standards, alternative user authentication methods, password trends and the management of passwords. Download the entire IT in Europe, Information Security Edition winter 2011 issue(.pdf).
Cover story: Alternatives to passwords: Replacing the ubiquitous authenticator
As the relative security of passwords falters, IT pros are looking at other methods to authenticate users. This article investigates some viable alternatives to passwords.
Editor’s desk: Opinion: Firms can’t or won’t address social networking security risks
It's a common refrain: Even companies that are aware of social networking security risks don't do anything about them. Read the results of a survey into the risks of social engineering to office workers in the UK.
Technical feature: A pen tester’s perspective on creating a secure password
Pen testing expert Mike McLaughlin explains the importance of creating a secure password, and addresses the problem of maintaining secure passwords over time. Supplementing passwords with other factors (something you know, something you have and something you are) is one way to handle problem.
Perspectives: Is it the end of the line for antivirus signatures?
Traditional antimalware can't keep up with the threat landscape. Are antivirus signatures destined for the rubbish bin? Some security vendors continue to rely on signatures, supplemented with other heuristics. Other vendors are dispensing with signatures altogether and relying on a bundle of techniques to spot malware before it has a chance to do harm.
