Last updated: January 2023
Password security has evolved significantly over decades. Here's a look at its history and future directions:
From simple shared secrets in the 1960s to the first encrypted password files in Unix systems.
Explosion of online accounts in the 1990s led to widespread password reuse and weak credential practices.
Major data breaches revealed vulnerabilities in password storage and hashing methods.
The rise of 2FA and MFA added critical additional layers beyond passwords.
Tools emerged to handle the growing complexity of managing hundreds of unique credentials.
Fingerprint and facial recognition began supplementing or replacing passwords on devices.
Emerging standards like WebAuthn enable secure login without traditional passwords.
Continuous authentication based on typing patterns, mouse movements, and device usage.
Future quantum computers may break current encryption, driving development of quantum-resistant algorithms.
How our tools are evolving to support emerging authentication methods while maintaining backward compatibility.