Get Your Questions Answered

What are the system requirements for FaceGuard?

FaceGuard is currently available for Android, Apple iOS, and Windows XP thru 10.

There are many password managers on the market, why choose FaceGuard?

— No Cloud. No Master Password, No Spam —

~~ Fun: each access is like a game. Spot the face(s) only you know hidden among strangers.

~~ Free: This is 100% the real app. It’s not limited in the number of Destinations you can reach or images you can add. Moreover, FaceGuard stays free forever with a Partner.

~~ Unforgettable: You add your familiar faces of friends and family. No matter how obscure the images are to others, you’ll see them in the crowd in seconds.

~~ Fast: Fingers find it difficult to enter r’uX.:nOU~iwl5[2 quickly. Eyes recognize friends, family – even enemies – in an instant.

How many people use password managers currently?

Figures vary but are climbing rapidly with personal and business security breeches increasing daily. 2020 estimates were 30% of Americans have at least downloaded a password manager. Actual use varies as with all software.
Here are some other figures for consideration: 97% of all Fortune 500 businesses have been hacked. The other 3% don’t know they are breached*. 75% of all US adults have been hacked. The other 25% are not using digital devices or have been broken into but don’t know it.**
*Brookings Institution Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence
**Forbes Magazine

Can FaceGuard also be used as an organizer?

Yes. Apps fill the desktop fast; often requiring several pages. Plus, new apps are added wherever they fit. Instead, FaceGuard allows you to organize the way you want. There are 10 convenient categories to use for groups like Financial, Social, Medical, shopping, etc. Almost everything in FaceGuard is within two taps.

How secure is using Faces for authentication?

The short version is by following the guidelines, a FaceChallenge offers FOUR (4) levels of security:

~~ No FaceChallenge – zero security and only handy for quick access to sites that require a log-in but are not sensitive.

~~ A 3×3 matrix with 1 familiar face among 8 unknown faces and 3 unique panels. This FaceChallenge set creates odds of 1 in 729 anyone but you can access. Moreover, each failed attempt increases the time delay before retry. Plus — all new faces appear in the next FaceChallenge. Useful for easy access to very low-level risk destinations.
Example: Goodreads or Khan Academy.

~~ A 3×3 matrix with 1 familiar face among 8 unknown faces and 6 unique panels. This FaceChallenge set creates odds of 1 in 531,441 anyone but you can access. As before, each failed attempt increases the time delay before retry. Plus — all new faces appear in the next FaceChallenge. A wise option for semi-sensitive sites where personal information might be stored. Example: State DMV or Reddit

~~ A 3×3 matrix with 1 familiar face among 8 unknown faces and 9 unique panels. This FaceChallenge set creates odds of 1 in 3,486,784,401 anyone but you can access. As before, each failed attempt increases the time delay before retry. Plus — all new faces appear in the next FaceChallenge. Essential for securing critical access to Financial, Medical, or Legal Destinations.

What are “Key Space” and “Entropy”?

Excellent metrics by which esoteric aspects of security are measured. The more revealing insight is “How Many People use ‘Password’ as their password?” Hint: It’s the second most popular choice after 123456.

With FaceGuard: Forget Passwords… Recognize Familiar Faces

Is FaceGuard similar to Face Recognition?

No. A computer can theoretically match a face — but successful Face Recognition is predicated on comparing a single face against a database of one or more known faces. Simply stated: in what is called ‘Face Recognition’, an algorithm analyzes a set of points on the planar surface of one face. It then compares those points with those of all the other candidate faces.

Because computers are exceedingly fast, a search can be completed in seconds and a match located (or not) – however, such an approach requires that all possible faces be already stored within its database. Obviously, if a computer is tasked with detecting all the people you’ve known in your life, it fails. Only your personal memory determines which of the thousands of faces you’ve seen that you choose to remember.

How do I add, edit, move, or delete faces?

Please view the instruction videos for each process.

Can I use FaceGuard to securely access any computer, vehicle, ATM, door, straight jacket?

Theoretically, an upgrade to FaceGuard authenticating a secure RFID signal from any smartphone to any device equipped with the appropriate receiver is possible.

Can I use FaceGuard to protect an app on my phone, computer, laptop, or tablet?

The ability to enjoy FaceGuard authentication depends on the app requirements.

Can my significant other and I share access to joint accounts?

Yes. You will need to use faces you both recognize. Examples are from a wedding, family, mutual friends, etc.

If something happens to me, is there a way for my family to access FaceGuard?

You can assure access by using faces they recognize like family, mutual friends, etc.

Can I use Facebook photos or pictures from another social site?

You can. Be careful of any photo that’s an obvious choice. Use faces not easily associated with you.

How do I get pictures from the Internet?

There’s a video walking you right through the process. Use the built-in FaceGuard INTERNET tool or download faces to your gallery first and then import from the Gallery into FaceGuard.

Can I scan photos into FaceGuard?

Certainly, so long as you have a scanner. Most smartphones will function as a scanner with surprisingly good quality. Save the scanned photos to the Gallery and import.

Can I use a photo of my dog, car, house, favorite fish?

You can — but your fish, dog, cat, car, house, etc. will immediately stand out among human faces.

Can’t I just select a bunch of random faces and use them as my Familiar faces instead of real people I recognize?

You can. — the problem is without an emotional connection, it’s likely you’ll forget some or all of the ‘learned’ faces. You’ll always know your mother.

Can somebody look over my shoulder and memorize my Familiar faces?

They will have to possess a photographic memory and you will be required to share the screen with them. Given the design of FaceGuard’s random face array, the more faces you have, the less likely the average person can memorize them all. Shoulder surfing is also impractical. Faces displayed are only optimally viewed directly in front of your eyes.

Can somebody take pictures of all my Familiar Faces?

Yes. They will have to have your device for an unlimited amount of time and you will have to give them initial access.

Can somebody capture the crowd and then deduce my Familiar Faces?

As above, they can but they will have to have your device for an unlimited amount of time and you will have to give them initial access.

Why should I use more Familiar Faces?

Three main reasons:

~~ The more faces, the more fun, and elicited memories. Gathering as well as viewing with each access users feel is one of the best benefits of FaceGuard.

~~ The more faces, the more difficult for anyone else but you to access. There are 96 letters, numbers, and symbols accepted in the N.I.S.T. character set. Everyone knows what they are. It’s true they can be scrambled in tremendously intimidating combinations and each additional space increases the access challenge significantly. However, any string of known characters can be cracked given time, money, and technology. By contrast, humans recognize thousands of faces from their life and there is absolutely no way to know for certain which faces anyone chooses for Familiar Faces.

~~ You gain points the more faces you add, as well as how diverse and obscure they are, plus you get points and badges for sharing faces with friends and family.

What is the minimum number of Familiar Faces I must add for FaceGuard to function?

Twelve (12) will cause the reminder to no longer display each time you initially open FaceGuard. However, Ninety-Six (96) Familiar Faces are necessary for security. FaceGuard’s Guide to Gathering Familiar Faces lists hundreds of hints.

Critically, the brain is extraordinarily adept at recognizing faces. Everyday life confirms humans are easily capable of differentiating thousands of faces. Emotional connection assures immediate recall even when the viewer hasn’t seen a face in decades. As a species, we enjoy photo albums, yearbooks, and now digital displays. Similarly, a magical aspect of FaceGuard is each access is a memory. Users report they enjoy using FaceGuard whereas most people hate passwords.

What if I forget my faces?

Familiar Faces with high emotional content should be unforgettable. Moreover, you control the faces you add to Familiar. A good guide is only import faces to Familiar that are instantly recognizable to you. Regardless of how obscure the face may be to someone else, (1) if it has high emotional content to you and (2) if you added the face, it should be unforgettable.

If I install FaceGuard but can’t consistently recognize my Familiar Faces how do I uninstall FaceGuard?

Apple and Android both allow you to remove an app. Follow their normal procedure.

Are there any alternatives short of uninstalling if I only occasionally forget a face?

Review your Familiar Faces and remove any you don’t recognize immediately.

What is Prosopagnosia?

Prosopagnosia is a real condition (aka ‘face blindness’) affecting approximately 2% of the population. For those individuals, as well as people with impaired vision, FaceGuard is not a viable solution.

Can I confuse a face I placed in Familiar and a face in LookALike?

The problem should not occur when only strangers are in LookALike. Using identical twins where one is in Familiar and the other in LookALike is not recommended.

Do I need to memorize a specific face for each Place/Destination?

No. Faces display randomly distributed in a weighted algorithm assuring minimal repetition. There is no correlation between a Place/Destination and any face or faces.

Does FaceGuard have a copy of my Familiar Faces?

No. Your faces are on your device(s).

Unless you specifically choose to share those faces with others, they will only be seen by you. Faces are NEVER stored in the cloud. If you opt to share, a face (s) transfers directly from your device to the individual(s) you select via an encrypted connection using a one-time code that expires quickly.ext

If I share faces with friends and family, does that weaken my security?

Not necessarily. Follow the guidelines for gathering faces. You can have many, many faces even friends and family won’t recognize.

Can I delete faces?

Sure. Only the CORE faces are locked The CORE is an ethnic, age, and a gender-balanced initial set of faces reflecting the census of America. The How-To videos instruct on this topic. {link}

Remove also offers unremove in the event of an accident.

Can I edit faces?

Yes. The position allows you to increase and decrease the size as well as rotate and move in four directions within the FaceFrame. Enhance permits adjusting contrast, brightness, hue, saturation, and intensity. Be careful. Strange looking faces can be obvious

Is there a limit on the number of Familiar Faces I can add?

No.

Is there a limit on the number of Places/Destinations I can add?

No.

How do I add, edit, move, or delete my own Destinations?

Please view the instruction videos.

Can I get help creating a new Place/Destination?

Contact FaceGuard. We’re happy to assist. Usually, we can simply create a temporary account to set up all the steps for you. We’ll then send you a self-contained file. Import it, add your login and passcode and you’re all set. We do ask that you allow us to share the steps (not the login or password) so others may make their life easy too should they visit the same Destination. You can earn points and accolades or be anonymous as you like. By the way, there are 500 of the most accessed websites done already. You’re welcome to as many as you want to add to your FaceGuard.

Can I replace or re-order Place/Destination positions?

Yes. Drag and drop. The video demonstrates how to.

Does FaceGuard verify the legitimacy of user-submitted Place/Destination* web sites or apps?

FaceGuard does not endorse or guarantee user-submitted Place/Destinations. However, any user submitting a reportedly false Place/Destination is immediately banned and their FaceGuard app disabled.

* A Places/Destination is defined as any secured web site, app, file, or folder which you wish to access. A Place/Destination may -or may not- be protected by a user name and passcode.

What about Sharing with friends, family, or co-workers?

You can share photos and user-created Place/Destinations with others. The How-To video provides step by step instruction.

Can I Sync the FaceGuard on my phone with my tablet or PC?

Your device can share encrypted FaceGuard data with another device registered to you. Only you can register additional devices. Sync is also a form of backup since your data is duplicated.

Can I use FaceGuard on multiple devices at one time?

Yes. Registered devices synchronize via a secure connection and encrypted database. It is necessary to have the devices turned on. See SYNC.

Doesn’t FaceGuard have to use the ‘cloud’ to synchronize devices, Places/Destinations, and share faces?

A conventional password manager stores your data (along with every other user) on their cloud-based servers. That’s how they keep your devices in sync. By contrast, FaceGuard sends PKI/ECC encrypted -and user unidentified- information from one device to another via an encrypted Amazon platform. Data is deleted as soon as the target device receives it

Backup

FaceGuard automatically does an encrypted daily backup to a separate location on your device. Almost all devices include backup capability to a third party like Xdrive or a carrier. You can also generate a file and/or print a copy of all Place/Destinations, user names, and passwords. If you do, store the printout and/or file in a safe.

What if I lose my device?

So long as you have been backing up as advised by everyone and accommodated by FaceGuard, just install FaceGuard on your new device and restore the FaceGuard database. You will be required to satisfy the highest level of FaceChallenge.

If I lose my device or it’s stolen, will anyone else be able to see my faces or passcodes?

Only if they successfully satisfy the FaceChallenge. The odds are documented in “How Secure is Using Faces for Authentication”

Why does FaceGuard use the term Passcodes?

Passwords imply ‘words’. Hacker dictionaries search every word in every language in seconds. Using a word in a password hasn’t actually been wise or safe since the 1950s.

What is a strong passcode?

It should contain upper and lower case letters, numbers, and N.I.S.T approved symbols. Passcodes should be randomly generated, and no less than sixteen (16) characters.

What if a site or app log-in will not accept strong passwords?

Forbes: 97% of all fortune 500 companies have been hacked. The other 3% don’t know they’ve been hacked. Allowing weak passwords is extremely dangerous. That said, FaceGuard assists you in satisfying site requirements by flexibility in length and what type of characters comprise your passcode.

Can’t a person use similar passwords so they are easy to remember?

“If you can remember it, the password is too weak.”

How strong are the passcodes?

FaceGuard generated passcodes are estimated as unbreakable* in less than a trillion years. Your mileage may vary. Change passcodes frequently to be super safe.

*There is no such thing as ‘unbreakable’ given enough time and money. The goal is to deter 99.9% of all hackers in the world and to make breaking into your FaceGuard too expensive and too time-consuming to be worth the effort.

How are FaceGuard passwords updated?

Automatically with the frequency desired (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually) when a Protecting Partner facilitates.

My device allows me to use four digits as a security code. Isn’t that safe?

No. Four digits can be hacked in less than one (1) second.

My device is protected by a finger sweep pattern. Isn’t that safe?

Not quite. Turn the screen sideways – looking carefully.,. you can usually see the ‘finger grease’ smear pattern on the screen.

My device is protected by my fingerprint/palm shape. Isn’t that safe?

It’s certainly better than four digits. That said, fingerprint and palm scans that are inexpensive enough to be on a phone have proven to be quite easy to hack. Moreover, the Virginia court ruled fingerprints have no expectation of privacy. Therefore – unlike a password which the US Supreme court stated you can not be compelled to divulge – a user relying on fingerprint security can legally be ordered to access their device and reveal all the data within.

My device is protected by DNA analysis. Isn’t that safe?

Very safe. The blood sticks are not popular though.

My device is protected by Brain Print technology. Isn’t that safe?

Possibly if you don’t object to electrodes inserted into your head.

My device is protected by recognizing my face. Isn’t that safe?

It is until someone uses a picture of you to access.

If I choose a sailboat, a beach ball, and a flag as a graphic password, isn’t that safe?

Even when the boats can change, the balls range from big to small and the flag can be from any nation — the key is obvious: boats, balls, flags.

My device is protected by…

There will always be new technology. And those who’ll try to crack it. Science has proven face memory is extraordinary. And it’s impossible for a hacker to know who you know.

What is Dual Factor Authentication?

There are three (3) commonly accepted authentication factors:

~~ What You Have – fairly useless by itself as an object (like a key or card) works just as well for a thief as for you.

~~ What You Know – Information unique to your life experience. Have you ever heard: “it’s not ‘what’ you know, but ‘who’ you know” that assists success.

~~ What you Are – This is the terrifying one. When your fingerprint, voice print, iris scan, DNA analysis, etc. are stolen by a hacker, your identity is permanently compromised.

Combining any of the two (2) factors is much wiser. Example: a digital device has a unique ID authorized to you. Require recognition of your hidden childhood friend’s face and you enjoy easy Two Factor Authentication. FaceGuard is MULTI_FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (1) What You Have: the device – whether phone, tablet, or PC -has an ID code (2) What You Know: the passcode – though, with FaceGuard, you are not required to remember it. (3) Who You Know: the familiar faces among strangers

How does FaceGuard work with the security structure inside a firewall and/or network topography?

FaceGuard supplies username/login and passcode to the exterior access to the system. Said another way FaceGuard is for end-users accessing a web site portal, app, or program.

Is there a multi-user, network, office ‘professional’ version of FaceGuard for businesses, medical, financial, educational, or military use?

Yes. It only runs on Windows and is not currently available on any platform except to those who already own it. There are no plans to port it to Unix, Linux, or MAC.

Can FaceGuard replace ‘Single Sign-On’?

Yes, in theory, it can. However, the current design does nothing within the security system.

Can FaceGuard migrate user names and passwords from a previous password manager?

Yes, so long as you have access to your apps, sites, etc. as well as your user names and passwords in a standard format like comma delimited or Excel.

Can I change my Protecting Partner?

Of course. The process is very simple. That said, there should be no need to switch from the Partner you selected.

How can I have my own screen?

You have your own desktop. FaceGuard’s COVER only appears when the device returns from the black ‘sleep’ mode. Flip-up the Cover and it’s out of the way and your personal desktop is before you.

What does FaceGuard cost?

FaceGuard is free to the end-user as a reward for downloading it from the Protecting Partner.

How much are FaceGuard updates:

From time to time, FaceGuard may offer OPTIONAL additional features or functions. Depending on the FaceGuard enhancement product or service, there may be a fee.

Can I ask for features I feel FaceGuard needs to be even better?

Please do. Of course, there is no guarantee they will be implemented. That said… if they’re brilliant innovations for which users will be forever grateful, at minimum you will receive heartfelt thanks as well as screen credit.

If I find an undocumented feature (bug) in FaceGuard, what’s in it for me to report it privately to FaceGuard?

Because FaceGuard users are a cut above the crowd, we anticipate you’ll allow us to reward you with our public thanks as well as compensation commensurate with your discovery. We reserve the right to define compensation. We assure you it won’t be beads and trinkets.

Let’s say I find a way to breach FaceGuard security… what’s that worth to you?

If you notify FaceGuard discreetly, we guarantee you will be rewarded. There are no back doors in FaceGuard but there’s a bug bounty (and perhaps a full-time position) for anyone finding a legitimate vulnerability.

Can someone gain access to my device if they bypass the FaceGuard Cover screen by taking control of the device’s ports?

A skilled hacker can crack most anything. Fortunately, the average person can’t. Plus, your data within FaceGuard is encrypted.

Does FaceGuard verify the legitimacy of user-submitted faces?

No. Any user submitting an image for which s/he has not obtained legal rights will have the image removed at the request of the offended party. Moreover, the submitter will be debited points for the face removed. A further offense will result in an immediate ban and the inability to use the FaceGuard app.

How many potential customers see a Partner’s Cover screen?

Unlimited. A Partner’s cover is for life.

Can FaceGuard guarantee a minimum number of users ?

No. Nor do we specify a maximum. FaceGuard is a free reward for patrons of a Partner.

How many of my Partner patrons will use FaceGuard?

~ An unscientific guesstimate is to start with the number of active patrons to a Partner web site. Next figure a smaller percentage than 30% will download and use FaceGuard if national numbers are accurate.

~ Let us use 1/3 again and say 10%. However, for various reasons, not all will find FaceGuard to their liking. So we’ll speculate 3% since that is the metric by which many successful marketing campaigns (like direct mail and most Internet efforts) are measured.

~ On the upside, factor FaceGuard’s viral potential of face sharing. In addition, there is peer envy and first mover pride among early adopters. Use a base of 5%. These will be technology astute patrons inclined to spread a positive message about the Partner.

As a Partner, how many downloads of FaceGuard are permitted from a web site?

Unlimited. Forever.

Can I get FaceGuard without a Protecting Partner?

Only if purchased.

How long is a Partner agreement?

Determined by the Partner. One year is the minimum to assure an exclusive position within FaceGuard. Two, Three, and Five Year options are available as are Lifetime agreements.

Is there a path for Non-Profit Partners to participate?

Yes. FaceGuard provides limited availability for vetted, Non Profit organizations to be a FaceGuard Partner.

Can a political or religious organization be a FaceGuard Partner?

FaceGuard is non-denominational and non-political. To serve all precludes serving one.

Are there any additional organizations FaceGuard will not consider for a Partner?

FaceGuard reserves the right to decline where other Partners may be uncomfortable.

How can I/we become a FaceGuard Partner?

Email us at the address provided on the Contact page of the website.

Can I/we become involved as an equity investor in FaceGuard?

Email us at the address provided on the Contact page of the website.

Can I/we become involved as an equity investor in FaceGuard?

Email us at the address provided on the Contact page of the website.

Is FaceGuard functional in a language other than English/American?

Yes. Faces have no language.

Are opportunities for FaceGuard available in my country, territory, community?

Email us at the address provided on the Contact page of the website.

How can I receive an answer to a question that does not appear here?

Email us at the address provided on the Contact page of the website.
FaceGuard - Faces You Know Manage your Passwords