How to prevent password theft when using it?

Past, present and future of passwords

Passwords have played a crucial role in security for centuries, from protecting physical fortresses to safeguarding sensitive information. They have come a long way from their ancient origins to become essential security tools in the present digital age, and passwords are likely to remain an important authentication method for the foreseeable future.

Passwords in history

Passwords, in their various forms, have been used by ancient civilizations for thousands of years to protect sacred sites, identify friends and allies, control access to sensitive information, and safeguard private property.

Long before computers, passwords were used in their infancy to protect physical locations. City gate guards or sentinels at military camps used secret passwords to identify friends from enemies. Passwords were usually, for example, secret words or phrases known only to guards and those authorized to enter a place. These passwords were passed down orally, often from generation to generation, and were kept secret to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

Passwords were also used to protect confidential information, such as military plans, diplomatic strategies or State secrets. Only high-ranking individuals or those with proper authorization could know the passwords to access this information. Disclosure of these passwords could have serious consequences, including the death penalty. A notable example is the use of encrypted documents and passwords in ancient Mesopotamia to protect trade records and diplomatic treaties.

In some cases, passwords were not just words, but also phrases, combinations of sounds, or even pre-established signs or gestures. These signals could be as simple as lighting a torch in a specific tower or playing a particular melody on an instrument. Occasionally, physical objects were used as passwords. These objects could be coins or tokens with specific markings or symbols. By presenting the correct object to the guards, the person could prove his or her identity and gain access to the protected place.

Even in Greek mythology its importance is noted, and the story of the Minotaur and the labyrinth of Crete is a famous example. Ariadne, daughter of King Minos and Pasiphae, gave Theseus a rope as a password to find the exit of the labyrinth after defeating the Minotaur. Another example is the theft of the treasures of Mycenae, where according to Greek mythology, the hero Tyndareus stole the treasures of King Eurytion of Mycenae using a secret password. It is said that Tyndareus seduced Eurytion's daughter, who revealed the password to him as proof of her love. With the password in hand, Tyndareus infiltrated Eurytion's palace and stole his valuable treasures.

In some cases, the “password” is not represented as a literal word or phrase, but as a challenge, test or special knowledge that must be overcome to access a place or achieve a goal. In Norse mythology, Valhalla was Odin's hall, where warriors who had fallen in battle gathered. To enter Valhalla, warriors had to cross the Bifrost Bridge, guarded by Heimdall, a god with exceptional sight and hearing. Only those who had died in battle with honor and bravery could cross the bridge and enter Valhalla. In this case, the “password” to enter Valhalla was not a secret word or phrase, but an honorable death in battle. However, these examples illustrate how the concept of protection through secret information or specific challenges was already present in mythological narratives, laying the foundation for the use of passwords in history and today.

Its use is also featured in religion, with the notable example of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, where it is said that the Levite priests used passwords to access the different chambers and sanctuaries. Or in culture and historical events, for example, Joan of Arc is said to have received a secret password from King Charles VII in order to enter the city of Orleans during the Siege of Orleans in 1429. In another example, in 1160, during the English Civil War, Tamworth Castle, a strategic fortress in Staffordshire, was captured by rebel forces led by Robert of Beaumont. It is said that the rebels gained entry to the castle using a password obtained from a traitor within the garrison. The fall of Tamworth Castle was a significant blow to King Henry II's forces and marked a turning point in the war.

With the rise of modern warfare, passwords became essential to protect sensitive information such as battle plans, military strategies and intelligence data. With the introduction of computers and information systems in the military, passwords became the primary method of authenticating users and controlling access to data and systems. Passwords are now also used to protect civilian and military communications on both voice and data channels.

Passwords in the digital age

In the 1960s, with the boom of shared computer systems, the need to protect user data arose. Fernando Corbató of MIT is credited with creating the first password-protected user accounts. And in the 1970s, Robert Morris invented the hash, a function that transforms passwords into unique strings of characters, making them difficult to crack. Soon after, Morris and Ken Thompson created the “salting”, a process that adds random data to passwords before hashing, further increasing security.

As technology advanced, passwords became the basis of security for a wide range of systems, from personal computers to online banking to e-commerce. However, the increased reliance on passwords also brought with it new threats. Hackers developed methods for cracking passwords, such as brute force attacks and phishing techniques. In response to these threats, various measures have been developed to strengthen password security, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), the use of more complex passwords, biometrics and the implementation of password managers.

Passwords have come a long way from their ancient origins to become essential security tools in the digital age. While their simplicity makes them easy to use, it also makes them vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. That is why the continuous evolution of security practices and the adoption of new technologies are crucial to protect our information and privacy in the digital world. Passwords have been and will continue to be a fundamental tool for security. As technology evolves and threats become more sophisticated, it is crucial to implement robust security practices and adopt innovative technologies to protect your systems and sensitive data.