Maverick Philosopher

Footnotes to Plato from the foothills of the Superstition Mountains

Biometric Authentication

I use multifactor authentication for access to many of the sites I visit, but conservatives are cautious by nature. So I am not inclined to spring for biometric authentication, some of the hazards of which are discussed here.  The alacrity with which the young adopt the latest trends is evidence of their inherent excess of trust, lack of critical caution, and in many, out-and-out pollyannishness. "Many companies and organizations are implementing biometric authentication for enhanced security and convenience, with deployment rising to 79% from 27% in just a few years." (AI-generated claim) 

In tech we trust? What, me worry? What could possibly go wrong?

Convenience? Whose?

Future shock is upon us in this brave new world. I allude to the title of two books you should have read by now.

Practice situational awareness across all sectors and in every situation.

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Bill Vallicella

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4 responses to “Biometric Authentication”

  1. Dmitri Avatar
    Dmitri

    The recent bankruptcy of 23andMe with its huge collection of people’s DNA that could go on sale is a side story on a closely related subject matter. Vigilance in these matters is prudent in the same way as closely guarding your passport and SSN are. More details here https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-privacy-23andme-protect-data-1.7496034
    Besides passwords and biometric authentication there are also passkeys which are growing in popularity. If someone is interested to better understand passkeys, there is a reasonable explanation https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/10/what-passkey

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  2. BV Avatar
    BV

    Thanks for the links, Dmitri.
    AOL wants me get a passkey, so that link is very helpful.
    One problem with our advanced technology is that it is remaking us in its own image. Marshall McLuhan was onto the basic idea in the ’60s. I read his Understanding Media when I was in high school when it first came out. “The medium is the message.” “Hot and cool media.” “Sense-perception ratios.”

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  3. BV Avatar
    BV

    Dmitri,
    I use the Google Authenticator app. Any downsides you are aware of? (Besides its being a Google product.)

    Reply
  4. Joe Odegaard Avatar
    Joe Odegaard

    I often go about here in the boonies with no ID on my person at all. Most of the time, actually. God and my guardian angel know who I am, and that’s enough.

    Reply

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