System and method for user authentication

Abstract

A method and system for authenticating a user to access a computer system. The method comprises communicating security information to the computer system, and providing the computer system with an implicit input. The method further comprises determining whether the security information and implicit input match corresponding information associated with the user. The method further comprises granting the user access to the computer system in the event of a satisfactory match. When authenticating the user, the method and system consider the possibility of the user being legitimate but subject to duress or force by a computer hacker.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 877,782, filed Jun. 25, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 511,092, filed Feb. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,456, issued on Jul. 20, 2004, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates generally to methods of accessing a secure computer system. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and system for authenticating an identity of a user before accessing a computer system. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] In today's information age, a user is generally required to execute or pass some form of a security step, such as entering a private identification code or password, to access a computer system. As the computer stored information or application becomes more sensitive or valuable, greater s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method and system for authenticating a user to access a computer system by communicating security information and an implicit input to the computer system, and comparing it with corresponding information associated with the user. The system grants access to the computer system if there is a satisfactory match. This technology overcomes limitations of existing authentication methods and ensures secure access to computer systems.

Problems solved by technology

The use of a password alone, however, has become less reliable to authenticate the user.

The reduced reliability of using a password alone has been due to a computer hacker's ability to locate, copy, or electronically identify or track the required password using specialized software programs.

Accordingly, the use of a password alone to authenticate the user for access to the computer system has not been very reliable.

These techniques, however, are still subject to the same weaknesses as those identified for using a password.

Therefore, the above-described authentication techniques do not overcome a computer hacker's ability to access the computer by forcing the user to enter a password, turn a key, swipe a card, or place the user's finger on a fingerprint acquisition device.

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