Are Passwords an Effective Security Mechanism

Good morning.

I'm a third year university student and for one of my assignments, I am to write a research report based on the question 'Are Passwords an Effective Security Mechanism'. I have focused the research on biometric and traditional (alphanumeric combination) passwords. Also, I am required to obtain some primary research which can be argued against my secondary research to form some sort of conclusion, and to do this, I have decided that a questionnaire is the perfect solution.

I would appreciate it if some of you would take the opportunity to complete my questionnaire as you will be helping me out a lot. It will take no more than 2 minutes to complete. Also, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions on biometric and traditional passwords, regarding their security.

The survey can be found here - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VMS7XPD

I apologise if this is in the wrong section or breaks a rule. I have checked the rules out and I believe it doesn't break the advertising rule, but it might to you guys.

Thanks in advance.

Security is all about layers, and not depending on any one technology or approach to detect or save you from the latest threats. The most important layer in that security defense? You! Most threats succeed because they take advantage of human weaknesses (laziness, apathy, ignorance, etc.), and less because of their sophistication.

• These were the worst passwords of 2015, and they're only getting worse
• This List Of 2014s Worst Passwords, Including 123456, Is Embarrassing
• Its 2014 And Our Passwords Arent Getting Better
• The 25 Worst Passwords of 2013

The user is the first and last line of defense. Strong passwords can be effective security measure. Unfortunately, it has been proven time and again that the user is a more substantial factor (weakest link) in security than the architecture of the operating system or installed protection software.
 

Security is all about layers, and not depending on any one technology or approach to detect or save you from the latest threats. The most important layer in that security defense? You! Most threats succeed because they take advantage of human weaknesses (laziness, apathy, ignorance, etc.), and less because of their sophistication.

Krebs on Security

• These were the worst passwords of 2015, and they're only getting worse
• This List Of 2014s Worst Passwords, Including 123456, Is Embarrassing
• Its 2014 And Our Passwords Arent Getting Better
• The 25 Worst Passwords of 2013

 

Thank you for that. Those links that you posted are really interesting. I have referenced something similar to those in the report, but I may change them to yours.