The use of OpenID has become more widely used over the last few years. Basically, OpenID allows you to sign into multiple websites without having to create a new password for each one. Instead, one certain element, such as a user name or email address, is used to access these accounts.
Your identity provider is the only thing that receives your website. This provider then confirms your identity and grants you access to other websites.
Some people prefer OpenID because it’s easier to use. There’s no need to sign in and out of the websites you use, and since OpenID stores all of your information, there’s no need to spend the time filling out forms in order to register for websites. Plus, since the websites never see your password, you eliminate the risk of having your identity compromised by an unsecure site.
But along with its benefits, OpenID also comes with a few risks.
You have to trust your OpenID provider.
Ultimately, you’re giving one main password to one main provider who then authenticates you on every other site. To be safe, you need to make sure that you’re choosing a trustworthy OpenID source. If you’re not careful, you could end up falling victim to an OpenID scam.
It’s possible that you’re already using an OpenID provider without even knowing it. Google, MySpace and Yahoo are a few OpenID providers. Here is a list of more
Compromised accounts have higher risks.
If your OpenID password becomes compromised in any way, you’re not just running the risk of giving a hacker access to one site, you’re giving them access to all websites you use. If you don’t use OpenID, you could create a different password for all of your online accounts, giving you an extra layer of security.
You can lose some control.
Without OpenID, you must choose which sites you register for and which ones receive all of your information. This means that you can decide which sites receive your personal information.
When you use OpenID, a website just requests your information from your OpenID source, and it’s just handed over. This means that sites you visit on accident can receive all of your information even if you didn’t want them to.
It may come with more security risks.
The use of OpenID requires a great deal of sharing. Your information is constantly being passed from website to website, which makes it easier for your information to become compromised. Hackers are always creating new ways to access information, and when your information is constantly being shared over the Internet, it makes it easier for your info to fall into the wrong hands.
OpenID does have its benefits, but it also has its risks. If you are debating on whether or not OpenID is the right choice for you, it’s important for you to do your research and make a more informed decision. Your online safety depends on it.
About the Author: This article is prepared by S. Brown. S. Brown has written several articles covering internet security. Most recently she wrote about Authentify SMS passwords.
