Computer Support Blog

Internet security concerns seem to grow more and more problematic every year.  Many people find themselves deeply concerned about phishing attempts and hackers gaining unwanted access to their PC or service accounts.  This also means large amounts of people constantly worry about the quality and security of their passwords.  PixelPin is a cool product in technology that allows users to replace the password function on their PC with picture passwords.  A picture password forgoes the usual text-based procedure for an authentication system where users click on four “passpoints” within an image to gain access to their computer or digital service accounts.  Users choose a picture from their computer to use for authentication.  Leaving the picture choice in the hands of the user is deliberate.  It allows people to choose an image where they are most likely to remember the specific four passpoints that they need to click on to get by PixelPin’s protection.  Users can sign up for PixelPin directly.  Service providers and manufacturers do not have to partner with the company directly for someone to use PixelPin to access accounts or devices. 

PixelPin supports multiple technology platforms.  The product works on traditional PC form factors such as desktops and laptops as well as mobile technology such as smartphones and tablet computers.  Where users click on their four designated passpoints with a mouse on standard PCs, on mobile devices they can simply tap the passpoints with their finger. People who run into technical issues when using PixelPin on a mobile device are best off with a mobile tech support service readily available.

PixelPin claims increased security for users with their method based on two facts.  The first is that the company protects its software with what it claims to be “military-grade encryption” to resist hackers.  In addition, PixelPin picture passwords can’t be phished the same way that standard text passwords can.  The third-party software controlling PixelPin won’t activate for illegitimate phishing sites and would-be phishers won’t have a password to copy.  While no password solution is foolproof, PixelPin has given its product an impressive set of security features.

PixelPin’s website claims that there is academic research that suggests that humans remember and engage with pictorial content better on average than with text.  In theory, this would mean that PixelPin is a more convenient system than text passwords for most people.  We will only see whether this theory holds true over time, but PixelPin is certainly making a strong case for now.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman
CEO
david@rescuecom.com
1-315-882-1100

Filed under: Internet Security, startups