Online Security Moves a Step Ahead

Rachiyta JainCyber Security

The world has not yet stopped gaping at the two-factor authentication process while uQontrol, a US-based start-up company, has already introduced a three-factor authentication; taking online security to an all-new level.

What is the Qkey?

Physically, the Qkey is similar to a USB stick with an embedded EMV chip (as used in credit and debit cards). It offers a 4GB storage capacity to store user details through a dedicated browser interface. A strong master password forms the first factor of authentication, an OTP forms the second factor and to confirm a payment process the key needs to be physically tapped thus completing the third factor.

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Qkey will help prevent online fraud and increase security greatly. 3 wrong password entries would render the key unusable. Each Qkey is unique to a user. A general question that arises in every human mind is what if one forgets his password. In such a case, uQontrol will have to reset the Qkey. This is a pretty long process because of the need to authenticate every caller making such a claim.

Besides online security, the Qkey enhances one’s online shopping experience by feeding details like credit card information, preferred websites and shipping information beforehand. This saves a lot of time. Moreover, the Qkey also connects to mobile using built-in NFC[1].  Currently, it works on Windows interface both on mobile and laptops. Nonetheless, uQontrol has promised to soon make it compatible with MAC, Android and iOS.

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The Qkey is only available in US markets. However, it is not long before Qkey or a similar technology is introduced in Indian markets. With serious concerns about online security and fraud around the world, such technology would be a useful tool.

 

[1] NFC is a short-range high-frequency wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 cm distance.