To protect users in an increasingly connected world , organisations must adopt more robust and reliable methods of passwordless authentication . Biometric authentication offers a more secure and intuitive experience , ultimately reducing the impact of hacks and online fraud .

Using biometrics at account creation and on an ongoing basis not only offers better protection against account takeover fraud but also eliminates the need to remember complex passwords and initiate password resets . It also discourages password sharing , which can inadvertently lead to data breaches and more compromised accounts .

The password has outlived its usefulness – and we need stronger ways of protecting ourselves online .

Passwords provide access to a host of applications and data from our PCs to emails , even our bank accounts . However , passwords in the wrong hands can provide the keys to confidential and sensitive data which could include employee and customer personal information .

On World Password Day we are reminded about the importance of having strong passwords – but we need to think beyond this . adoption of cloud computing , which highlights the inadequacies of traditional security measures .

With a Zero Trust strategy , security moves beyond perimeter defences and prioritises continuous identity verification and authorisation , irrespective of the user and their location . This underscores the principles of Zero Trust , which is that trust is never assumed and access is meticulously validated at every interaction point .

While passwords add a layer of security to protect information , threat actors can lurk within organisations and as such passwords are not enough to prevent data leaks and breaches .

Companies must move beyond passwords to protect their most valuable data assets . To maximise security and protect against internal and external threat actors , companies stand to benefit from having a Zero Trust strategy . This is particularly true with the increased

SCOTT SILVER , CEO , INTEGRAL PARTNERS – A XALIENT COMPANY

28 INTELLIGENTCIO LATAM www www . . intelligentcio . com . com

Intelligent CIO LATAM Issue 35 | Page 28

HAVE PASSWORDS HAD THEIR TIME ?

To protect users in an increasingly connected world , organisations must adopt more robust and reliable methods of passwordless authentication . Biometric authentication offers a more secure and intuitive experience , ultimately reducing the impact of hacks and online fraud .

Passwords provide access to a host of applications and data from our PCs to emails , even our bank accounts . However , passwords in the wrong hands can provide the keys to confidential and sensitive data which could include employee and customer personal information .