Could USB-based Yubico log-on be solution to the password problem?

Google is running a pilot project to see if these USB-based Yubico log-on devices might help it solve the password problem.

Google is now investigating alternatives to the password. e.g. an USB-based Yubico card would sign you into your Google account when inserted into a device.

“Others have tried similar approaches but achieved little success in the consumer world. Although we recognize that our initiative will likewise remain speculative until we’ve proven large scale acceptance, we’re eager to test it with other websites. …

We’d like your smartphone or smartcard-embedded finger ring to authorize a new computer via a tap on the computer, even in situations in which your phone might be without cellular connectivity. ” – Google Vice President of Security Eric Grosse and Engineer Mayank Upadhyay

Yubico key

Google is now investigating alternatives to the password. e.g. an USB-based Yubico card would sign you into your Google account when inserted into a device. They are experimenting with new ways to replace the password, including a tiny Yubico cryptographic card that — when slid into a USB (Universal Serial Bus) reader — can automatically log a web surfer into Google – Wired reported

Yubico key
Yubico key

These days you have to remember so many passwords: personal mail, office mail, facebook, twitter, banking  and so on.

Could this be a possible solution to the multiple passwords problem? If the “password ring” becomes your passport to several things, will it reduce risk or increase it? What do you think? Do let us know.

Complete information on Google’s Yubico log on device is not yet not it is officially launched yet. Will keep you posted.

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