Could Your Mind Enhance Your Security?

When it comes to PCI Compliance keeping things secure is perhaps the most important thing that you can do. For most things that password is all that separates keeping your systems safe and perhaps going out of business. But the password is not as secure as it once was and is gradually being replaced. Within the next generation we may have a new word in our lexicon, the passthought.

Science Fiction

A computer interface linked to your brain may sound far-fetched but it is not. This kind of thing has been long featured as a realm of science fiction so the concept is at least not out of the ordinary. Just think how easy it would be to turn on the lights when you get home with your mind or turn on your coffee maker in the morning by just thinking about it. There are all kinds of possibilities.

Brain Computer Interfaces or BCI are in fact already being tested in lab conditions. Tests now are being aimed at helping people with injuries or debilitating medical conditions recover some of the abilities that they have lost. They are also being tested for gaming, which would be the easiest path to commercial viability for the general public.

Reality

In 2017 a BCI-controlled game was introduced. It was a Tetris-like game when players wearing BCI interfaces worked together to complete the puzzle. The players were kept in separate rooms with only the interface providing information. A long way to go towards commercial viability but an important first step.

As Secure As Possible

What a BCI could do for security though is perhaps one of the more fascinating aspects of this technology. It is possible for a BCI to be placed in an earbud and examine our brainwaves. It turns out that our brain waves are unique to us, that is we react to situations differently and that can be determined by a BCI. It has already shown to be reliable enough to use for authentication of an account.

This has the potential to be the most secure method of authentication. Passwords can be stolen and biometrics can be as well. Your brain waves are unique to you, which would mean that only you would be able to access an account or anything that uses a BCI. This could potentially do wonders for our security.

Long Way To Go

Of course there will be bridges that will need to be crossed and questions that will need to be answered that we cannot anticipate at this time. It is fascinating to think about though. But for now, this is still a long way off, so don’t stop investing in your security now. If you do, you won’t be in business long enough to take advantage of a BCI.