Graphic passwords instead of normal

The next version of the idea of ​​alternative methods of protecting information with a password was presented by researchers from the University of Newcastle. They suggested replacing ordinary alphanumeric passwords with graphic images. In other words, instead of a set of letters and numbers, the user should draw (say, on the PDA display) an image.

The security system, called the Background Draw a Secret, when entering such a password, draws attention not only to what he drew, but also to how he did it. That is, in addition to the correctness of the entered data, the sequence of entering each element of the picture is also checked, as well as some other nuances, which greatly increases the reliability of protection. For some ease the task, the user can enter a picture on the background of any image. According to the authors of the idea, such a password is almost impossible (or, in any case, very difficult) to pick up, even using brute force.

The development of Dr. Jeff Yan (Jeff Yan) and student Paul Dunphy (Paul Dunphy) is obviously intended primarily for smartphones, communicators and the UMPC, that is, for devices with the possibility of pen input. True, the developers do not yet know whether their idea will soon be implemented in modern devices.

via New Launches