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Pairwise Authentication of Humans

Here’s an easy system for two humans to remotely authenticate to each other, so they can be sure that neither are digital impersonations.

To mitigate that risk, I have developed this simple solution where you can setup a unique time-based one-time passcode (TOTP) between any pair of persons.

This is how it works:

  1. Two people, Person A and Person B, sit in front of the same computer and open this page;
  2. They input their respective names (e.g. Alice and Bob) onto the same page, and click “Generate”;
  3. The page will generate two TOTP QR codes, one for Alice and one for Bob;
  4. Alice and Bob scan the respective QR code into a TOTP mobile app (such as Authy or Google Authenticator) on their respective mobile phones;
  5. In the future, when Alice speaks with Bob over the phone or over video call, and wants to verify the identity of Bob, Alice asks Bob to provide the 6-digit TOTP code from the mobile app. If the code matches what Alice has on her own phone, then Alice has more confidence that she is speaking with the real Bob.

Simple, and clever.

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McAfee Named #1 Antivirus and Security Software Brand in TIME’s 2024 World’s Best Brands 

McAfee has been named the top brand in the Antivirus and Security Software category in TIME and Statista’s 2024 World’s Best Brands list, ranking above all major industry competitors.

The list, which surveyed over 22,000 U.S. consumers, ranks brands based on trust, awareness, and customer satisfaction across 66 industries 

TIME’s World’s Best Brands of 2024 rankings highlight consumer preferences across industries, from tech to retail. The inclusion of cybersecurity in the list speaks to a broader trend: digital safety is no longer just a concern for businesses and IT professionals—it’s a household necessity. 

Recent data supports this shift. A global McAfee study found that 59% of people have fallen victim to an online scam or know someone who has, with 87% of those affected losing money—an average loss of $1,366 USD. As the financial and personal stakes of online security continue to rise, consumers are looking for trusted brands that offer comprehensive, easy-to-use protection. 

For those looking to strengthen their digital defenses, McAfee+ provides award-winning security that protects against malware, scams, and online fraud—allowing consumers to browse, shop, and connect with confidence. 

 

The post McAfee Named #1 Antivirus and Security Software Brand in TIME’s 2024 World’s Best Brands  appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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