The logic goes like this:

  1. Password lists are hard to maintain;
  2. Admins rely too much on passwords;
  3. Users don’t like passwords anyway;
  4. RSA’s patented token system works;
  5. We’re doomed till RSA gives it away.

So what? We oughta take it from RSA? Bad idea.

When you stop protecting legitimate patents, legitimate inventors will stop patenting. Instead of rapidly spreading knowledge, innovation will be padlocked in safes marked “Company Secrets”.

Until RSA donates, or open sourcers surpass, teach users to keep passwords long and complex. Change them often. Don’t let Windows save them. And don’t leave ‘em lying around.

Note: That’s legitimate patents. The courts will deal with silliness like “one-click purchasing”.

See for yourself at TechWeb.