The password as a digital authenticator
is under more strain than ever. But is the answer to memorizing
multiple complex secure passwords to rely on proximity and a physical
wristband for logging in to devices and websites? The U.S.-based
makers of a device called Everykey believe so.
They’re currently Kickstarting their
wearable, looking to raise $100,000 to turn a prototype
Bluetooth-powered authentication wristband into shipping product by
March next year.
They’re not the only ones eyeing up
the security potential of wearables either, with Apple’s
forthcoming Watch apparently relying on a biometric heart rate for
authentication when using its NFC-powered Apple Pay function. And
Toronto-based startup Nymi also working on a heart-wave sensing
authentication wearable. (We saw a demo of their wristband back in
April.)
Everykey is following a similar
wearable route to Nymi, with a basic wristband that has a single
security-focused purpose, but is not bothering with any biometrics,
which does mean you’re putting your passwords in a single unsecured
physical basket (i.e. a form that can be stolen and used by someone
else to log into your stuff).
Why is it avoiding any biometric
component? Everykey CEO Chris Wentz expresses scepticism about
acquiring accurate electrocardiogram data — as Nymi aims to do —
via a single wearable point, i.e. rather than having multiple
electrodes on the body. Hence Everykey staying away from biometrics.
It’s also aiming to undercut Nymi on
price — given that there’s less sensor kit required inside its
wristband it can offer the wearable at a lower price point. The
Everykey is up for pre-order via Kickstarter for $50, vs Nymi costing
$79. It also offers better battery life, of up to a month.
Wentz says it is expending effort on making it’s wristband look a bit more #FASHION than the average generic plastic bangle. Although, to my eye, there’s not a huge amount in it…
No comments:
Post a Comment