Here is a report from Australia of an opinion survey about using passwords for authentication. Just over 200 people were surveyed and about half of them felt that their password could be guessed. Moreover, personal information that is often used to confirm an identity (such as the infamous “mother’s maiden name” question) were felt to be unsafe by 67% of the participants. Perhaps of most interest, 75% of the people said they would be prepared to deal with more complex authentication procedures if it increased security.
Consumers Lack Faith In the Security of Passwords
Australian consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about issues of security and the methods organisations use to verify their identity, according to a new study by Sydney-based research company, callcentres.net.
The 2009 Salmat VeCommerce Identity Verification Study highlights consumers’ fears that traditional PINs and passwords do not provide adequate protection of their personal information, with 67 per cent of consumers reporting that they believe their security details are at risk.
Just over half (51 per cent) felt that someone else may be able to accurately guess their password, PIN or security details for interactions over the phone, while 59 per cent said they believe someone else may actually know these details.
