Talking Tech: We might be a step closer to ditching passwords for good

It's Thursday, once again. And as an added bonus, it's also Cinco de Mayo. Brett Molina is back, craving tacos for lunch and delivering this week's news in tech.

Let's start with passwords, in honor of World Password Day. Let's face it: without a password manager, remembering which password to use on each of the websites we visit daily is both annoying and a waste of brain power. At least once every couple weeks (if not more), I will reset a password because I forgot it.

It's likely why we have bad password habits like using really simple passwords on multiple platforms. According to password management service NordPass, the most commonly used password is still "123456."

Fortunately, help might be on the way. On Thursday, the FIDO Alliance, an organization working to eliminate the need for passwords, said Apple, Google and Microsoft plan to expand support for a common sign-in standard that doesn't require a password.

"Password-only authentication is one of the biggest security problems on the web, and managing so many passwords is cumbersome for consumers, which often leads consumers to reuse the same ones across services," said the alliance in its statement. 

We've seen hints of a password-free world through our smartphone. For example, have the Gmail app? If you ever log in on another device, your phone will notify you to verify whether it's really you wanting to access your email. Also, Microsoft has an Authenticator app where users can verify logging in without typing a password.

A password-free world sounds awesome, but it won't happen overnight. In the meantime, don't forget these tips:

• Stop using easy passwords
• Try out a password manager. It creates tough passwords for the sites you use, and you only have to remember the password for the manager app.
• Use two-factor authentication, which requires both a password and a one-time code sent to you mobile phone for entry.

What else happened in tech?

Update your Google Chrome browser. There are key security flaws you'll want to fix.

A new benefit for Amazon workers. The company will subsidize travel for U.S. employees seeking abortions and other treatments.

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Need another Wordle fix? The creator of the hit game thinks you'll love Knotwords. 

The latest on Elon Musk and Twitter. The billionaire said there might be a "slight cost" for government and commercial accounts.

Thursday's tech tip

Our tech devices are riddled with germs. Think about all the times you whip out a smartphone while you're at the grocery store or other public places. Gross. And brace yourself next time you check out earbuds you haven't cleaned in a while. Here's how to make sure they stay clean and disinfected.

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday! Thanks for reading.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.