I see that, in the wake of the ATM skimming that's gone on recently, banks
are still trying to convince us that their online systems are secure.
The BNZ is about to offer a token gesture (pun alert!) towards the introduction
of a two-factor authentication system later this month when it introduces a
rather simplistic concept it's calling "battleships".
The way I see it, any kind of token (be it electronic, paper or plastic) is
just something else to lose, accidentally destroy in the washing machine,
or have stolen.
ANZ took a bold step a few years back when it introduced its ZED card. This
was a smart-card (with onboard processor) that also required a reader to
be plugged into the user's PC. Theoretically bullet-proof, the ZED card flopped
because it was just too much hassle for most people.
Westpac doesn't seem to be too concerned about two-factor authentication at this
stage, still relying on the good old ID and password front-door to prevent
unauthorised access.
The way I see it, until the system I devised (and sold) some time ago is actually
implemented, or until all PCs come fitted with some kind of biometric device
which allows a bio-hash key to be generated each time you log on, phishing
and hijacking of bank accounts will remain a small but ever-present risk.
Look for new forms of DRM that are linked to *you* in a bullet-proof way. This
would mean that every time you turn on the TV set, your fingerprint will be read
by the remote, a hash-key generated and then used to control what you can and
can't watch -- based on what your subscription or purchased media allows.
Likewise, there'll be no need to log onto your computer, email or internet
connection -- your thumb will do that for you.
Riskier operations such as using an ATM or doing your online banking will still
probably require an ID/password or PIN as well -- but the biometric component
will still be used as a further level of authentication.
This is a move that the music/movie industries will help push along, as will
broadcasters, banks, the government (ie: e-government) and others.
The huge demand for thumbprint readers will mean the cost of such devices will
fall to the point where it costs just a few cents to add them to relevant devices.
A subtle side-effect of this biometric-push however, will be that it will now
very easy for authorities to build up an index of every citizen's prints. Hey,
this might even reduce crime levels!
Would you be happy to see a shift towards biometric DRM and general authentication?
Are their crippling privacy issues or is this an idea whose time has come?
Free Advertising!
Yes, while I sort out the issue of sponsorship, I'm offering loyal Aardvark
readers the chance to have their venture advertised for free on these pages.
If you send me your 150x150 banner (no more than 20KB) and a URL to point at,
I'll put it in a rotation to appear in the area currently allocated to
sponsorship.
Because of my government-imposed state of impoverishment, I won't be charging
for this exposure and there's no obligation to anyone -- but neither are
their any promises ;-)
Drop me a line if you'd like to take advantage of this.
Did you notice
As eagle-eyed readers will have noticed, sponsorship of this fine blog/column
is up for grabs.
Those who have already made enquiries about sponsoring Aardvark should hear
back from me this week - and anyone else who might like to do so should
drop me a line ASAP.
Tell us all and see what others have to say in
The Aardvark Forums
Yes, You Can Gift Money
I've published this website for the past nine years as a service to the
local internet and IT industry and during all that time it has been 100%
free to access. It is my intention to ensure that it remains completely
free and free of charge and contains only the most sparse levels of advertising.
Aardvark is not a business, it is a free resource.
If you feel that this is a good thing and/or you hold a "geniune affection"
for yours truly -- then you are welcome to gift me some
money using the buttons provided. In gifting this money you accept that no goods,
service or other consideration is offered, provided, accepted or anticipated in return.
Just click on the button to gift whatever you can afford.
NOTE: PayPal bills in US dollars so don't accidentally gift more than
what you were intending :-)
Contacting Aardvark
I'm always happy to hear from readers, whether they're delivering brickbats,
bouquets or news tip-offs.
If you'd like to contact me directly, please
this form. If you're happy for me to republish
your comments then please be sure and select For Publication.
Other media organisations seeking more information or republication rights
are also invited to contact me.
Add Aardvark To Your Own Website!
Got a moment? Want a little extra fresh content for your own website or
page?
Just add a
couple of lines of JavaScript
to your pages and you can get
a free summary of Aardvark's daily commentary -- automatically updated
each and every week-day.
Aardvark also makes a summary of this daily column available via XML using
the RSS format. More details can be found
here.
Contact me if you decide to use either of these feeds and
have any problems.
Linking Policy
Want to link to this site? Check out Aardvark's
Linking Policy.
|
Did you tell someone else about Aardvark today? If not then do it
now!
|
|
= open in new window