Hacker Highschool Security Awarness for teens:11.0 Introduction
One of the principal characters in The Matrix Reloaded is the Keymaker. The Keymaker is critically important; he is protected by the Matrix and sought by Neo, because he makes and holds the keys to the various parts of the Matrix. The Matrix is a computer generated world; the keys he makes are passwords. Within the movie, he has general passwords, back door passwords and master keys – passwords to everywhere.
Passwords are keys that control access. They let you in and keep others out. They provide information control (passwords on documents); access control (passwords to web pages) and authentication (proving that you are who you say you are).
11.1 Types of Passwords
There are three main types of passwords.
11.1.1 Strings of Characters
At the most basic level, passwords are stings of characters, numbers and symbols. Access to a keyboard or keypad allows entry of these types of passwords. These passwords range from the simplest – such as the three digit codes used on some garage door openers – to the more complicated combinations of characters, numbers and symbols that are recommended for protecting highly confidential information.
11.1.2 Strings of Characters plus a token
The next level in passwords is to require a string of characters, numbers and symbols plus a token of some type. An example of this is the ATM, which requires a card - the token - plus a personal identification number or PIN. This is considered more secure, because if you lack either item, you are denied access.
11.1.3 Biometric Passwords
The third level in passwords is the biometric password. This is the use of non-reproducible biological features, such as fingerprints or facial features to allow access. An example of this is the retinal scan, in which the retina – which is the interior surface of the back of the eye – is photographed. The retina contains a unique pattern of blood vessels that are easily seen and this pattern is compared to a reference. Biometric passwords are the most sophisticated and are considered 'safer' but in reality a password that you 'carry' in your finger or eye is no safer than a strong password that you carry in your head, provided that the software that uses the password is correctly configured.
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