Karl Holmqvist, co-founder and CEO of internet security system firm Lastwall, spoke with TechRepublic's Dan Patterson about the flaws of two-factor authentication.
Lastwall looks at how computers connected with a network and the manner in which users interact with the machine, Holmqvist said. The new machine learning algorithms gives a more holistic picture of the technology, Holmqvist added, looking at all the factors in combination with one another helps discern if it is the correct user.
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"[Lastwall is] using data more intelligently to actually serve a purpose," Holmqvist said. The machine learning makes two-factor authentication really powerful, Holmqvist continued.
Patterson inquired about the privacy of a user's information if this technology got into the wrong hands, if companies are gathering detailed information without the user's knowledge.
Holmqvist assured that Lastwall is very serious about privacy; however, the dangers are ultimately unknown. With technology moving at such a rapid pace, new security issues arise and old security measures may not be as effective.
"If you don't know the risks, it's hard to mitigate against them," Holmqvist said.
The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers
- In order to verify the user's identity, a new machine learning algorithm looks at how users interact with a computer and how the computer connects to the system.
- Lastwall's research helps to use data in a more intelligent manner, serving a true purpose for its users.
- With tech moving as fast as it is, security has a tough time keeping up. The risks involved with two-factor authentication are unknown at the moment, so they are difficult to mitigate.
Also see
- How to enable two-factor authentication on Instagram (TechRepublic)
- Two-Factor Authentication (ZDNet)
- How to set up two-factor authentication for your favorite platforms and services (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
- Make your cloud safer: How you can use two-factor authentication to protect cloud services (ZDNet)
- Why Apple shouldn't force two-factor authentication on iPhone users (TechRepublic)
About Macy Bayern
Macy Bayern is the 2017 summer Editorial intern for TechRepublic. She is an honors student at the University of Texas at Austin and a former intern at Texas Monthly.
Disclosure
Macy Bayern has nothing to disclose. She do not hold investments in the technology companies she cover.
Full Bio
Macy Bayern is the 2017 summer Editorial intern for TechRepublic. She is an honors student at the University of Texas at Austin and a former intern at Texas Monthly.
