Microsoft focuses on biometrics for security
Microsoft focuses on biometrics for security
Nov 17th, 2004: Bill Gates has warned that passwords used for identity authentication could be a thing of the past, because biometric and smart-card technology evolves into a much more secure form of identification.
He announced this message at the Microsoft IT Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, which some people might consider to be a counterattack on the recent momentum built up by the Liberty Alliance, which is in the process of forming a standard of identity authentication.
Microsoft had its own identity authentication policy in action until recently, when it gave up on its plans, due to a lack of support.
In contrast, the Liberty Alliance is on a roll, with IBM throwing its weight behind the consortium recently.
Gates said at the Forum that the problem with identity systems is the weakness of passwords, which he said are too unreliable.
He said that eventually smart cards used by employees to enter company building and access computers will be based on Microsoft's .Net technology and will eventually replace passwords.
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