Computer-implemented method, computer program, and computer system for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins

Abstract

To provide a computer implementation method, a computer program, and a computer system, for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins.SOLUTION: In an approach for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins, a processor receives password input in a user device. The processor determines whether the password requires filtering. In response to determining the password requires the filtering, the processor filters characters from the password based on one set of filtering rules, for creating a filtered password. The processor determines whether the filtered password matches a stored password.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of password authentication, and more particularly to a computer-implemented method, computer program product and computer system for a rule-based filtering system for securing password logins. [Background technology]

[0002] When it comes to protecting information, passwords are the most commonly used form of authentication for both websites and applications. Upon registration, a user creates a unique identification (ID) and key (typically a username and password), which are then securely stored locally on the device, e.g., a mobile phone, or on the website's server. Ideally, only the user knows their password and, therefore, is able to access their account. When the user re-enters their credentials, the credentials are checked against the stored credentials, and if they match, the user is verified. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a computer-implemented method, a computer program product, and a computer system for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An aspect of one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method, computer program product, and computer system for rule-based filtering to protect password logins. A processor receives a password entered at a user device. The processor determines whether the password requires filtering. In response to determining that the password requires filtering, the processor filters characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules to create a filtered password. The processor determines whether the filtered password matches a stored password.

[0005] In some aspects of embodiments of the present invention, a processor determines whether the password requires filtering by counting the number of characters in the password; comparing the number of characters in the password to a second number of characters in the stored password; and determining that the password requires filtering in response to determining that there are more characters in the password than in the stored password.

[0006] In some aspects of the present invention, the set of filtering rules includes at least one rule in the form of a regular expression.

[0007] In some aspects of embodiments of the present invention, in response to determining that the filtered password matches a stored password, the processor allows a user of the user device to log in.

[0008] In some aspects of embodiments of the present invention, in response to a user of a user device opting into a rule-based filtering system, a processor requests the user to input the set of filtering rules, a processor receives the set of filtering rules from the user device, and a processor stores the set of filtering rules in a user profile for the user.

[0009] In some aspects of the present invention, one rule in the set of filtering rules is a regular expression that defines specific characters to be removed from the password.

[0010] In some aspects of embodiments of the present invention, one rule in the set of filtering rules defines a mathematical rule such that a sequential set of characters is removed from the password if the sequential set of characters equals or exceeds a predefined sum. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operational steps of a configuration component of a password filtering program to configure a set of filtering rules for the password filtering program according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operational steps of a login component of a password filtering program for performing rule-based filtering to protect password logins according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of components of a computing device in the distributed data processing environment of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that many people must authenticate themselves using passwords in various situations, for example, while unlocking applications on phones, doors, laptops, smartphones, when using ATMs, etc. Password authentication is considered one of the weaker methods of authentication, where shoulder surfing attacks are one of many known problems. Shoulder surfing attacks occur when password logins are performed in public places, allowing strangers to literally peer over the user's shoulder, obtain the user's password, and access the user's sensitive data.

[0013] Most users use short and simple passwords, so strangers can easily remember them. It is common knowledge that the longer the password, the stronger it is. More specifically, the longer the password, the more difficult it is for a stranger to recreate it, even if they are surfing the web and do not know the user who is entering the password.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention recognize the need to utilize this common sense, but go a step further with additional parameters to reduce the risk that a stranger can remember a user's password after shoulder surfing, thus generally increasing the security of password authentication. Embodiments of the present invention provide a rule-based filtering mechanism that allows a user to add dummy characters while entering a password that will not be considered in the authentication process. Based on configuration rules, the user can add as many dummy characters as necessary, thus allowing the user to hide their actual password. Embodiments of the present invention provide a program that filters dummy characters from a received password based on pre-configured filtering rules.

[0015] As used herein, the term “real password” refers to a password set by a user during setup for various situations, such as setup for a smartphone unlock password, setup for a smart door keypad combination, setup for a laptop unlock password, setup for an application password on a smartphone, setup for an ATM PIN, etc. As used herein, the term “dummy password” refers to a password entered by a user during the login component, where the dummy password includes “dummy” characters mixed into the actual password, which are used only as a stand-in to ward off potential shoulder surfers. As used herein, the term “filtered password” refers to a password entered by a user during the login component after a password filtering program applies a set of filtering rules to the password entered by a user during the login component, where characters are removed from the original password entered at login, the filtered password is compared to the actual password, and the login is valid.

[0016] Implementation of embodiments of the present invention may take a variety of forms, and details of exemplary implementations are discussed below with reference to the following figures.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment, generally designated 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, the term "distributed" describes a computer system comprising multiple physically distinct devices that operate together as a single computer system. FIG. 1 is provided as an example of only one implementation and is not intended to imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0018] Distributed data processing environment 100 includes server 110 and user computing device 120 interconnected via network 105. In some embodiments (not shown), components of server 110 and user computing device 120 are implemented on the same device, such that in those embodiments, only user computing device 120 is present. Network 105 can be, for example, a telecommunications network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, or a combination of the three, and can include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. Network 105 can include one or more wired or wireless networks or combinations thereof capable of transmitting and receiving data, voice, or video signals or combinations thereof, where the video signals include multimedia signals, where the multimedia signals include voice, data, and video information. In general, network 105 can be any combination of possible connections and protocols that support communication between server 110, user computing devices 120, and other computing devices (not shown) within distributed data processing environment 100.

[0019] Server 110 can be a standalone computing device, an administrative server, a web server, a mobile computing device, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of receiving, transmitting, and processing data. In other embodiments, server 110 can represent a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In other embodiments, server 110 can be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with user computing devices 120 and other computing devices (not shown) in distributed data processing environment 100 via network 105. In other embodiments, server 110 represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components (e.g., database server computers, application server computers, etc.) that function as a single pool of seamless resources when accessed within distributed data processing environment 100. Server 110 includes a password filtering program 112 and a database 114. Server 110 may include internal and external hardware components as shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG.

[0020] The password filtering program 112 operates to perform rule-based filtering to protect password logins. In the illustrated embodiment, the password filtering program 112 is a standalone program. In another embodiment, the password filtering program 112 may be integrated within another software product, such as a password authentication engine. In one embodiment, a user opts in to use the password filtering program 112 and completes configuration components with the password filtering program 112 to establish a set of filtering rules or set an actual password, or to establish a set of filtering rules and set an actual password. The configuration components of the password filtering program 112 are shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2. The main login component of the password filtering program 112, which performs rule-based filtering based on a set of filtering rules established during the configuration function to protect password logins, is shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3.

[0021] Database 114 acts as a repository for data received, used, output, or a combination thereof by password filtering program 112. The data received, used, output, or a combination thereof may include, but is not limited to, an actual password stored by a user; a dummy password entered by a user; a set of filtering rules to be applied during the login function; a filtered password generated after the set of filtering rules is applied to the dummy password; and any other data received, used, output, or a combination thereof by password filtering program 112. Database 114 can be implemented using any type of storage device, such as a hard disk drive, database server, or flash memory, capable of storing data and configuration files that can be accessed and utilized by server 110. In one embodiment, database 114 is accessed by password filtering program 112 to store or access data, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, database 114 resides on server 110. In other embodiments, database 114 may reside on another computing device, server, cloud server, or may be distributed across multiple devices elsewhere (not shown) in distributed data processing environment 100, provided that password filtering program 112 has access to database 114.

[0022] The present invention may include various accessible data sources, such as databases 114, which may contain data, content, or information that a user does not want processed, such as personal data, confidential business data, or a combination thereof. Processing refers to any action, automated or non-automated, or set of actions, such as collecting, recording, organizing, structuring, storing, adapting, modifying, retrieving, consulting, using, disclosing by transmission, distributing, or otherwise making available, combining, restricting, erasing, or destroying personal data, confidential business data, or a combination thereof. Password filtering program 112 enables authorized and secure processing of personal data.

[0023] The password filtering program 112 provides informed consent along with notice of the collection of personal data, business sensitive data, or a combination thereof, and allows the user to opt in or opt out of the processing of the personal data, business sensitive data, or a combination thereof. Consent can take several forms. Opt-in consent may require the user to take affirmative action before the personal data, business sensitive data, or a combination thereof is processed. Alternatively, opt-out consent may require the user to take affirmative action to prevent the processing of the personal data, business sensitive data, or a combination thereof. The password filtering program 112 provides information about the personal data, business sensitive data, or a combination thereof, and the nature (e.g., type, scope, purpose, duration, etc.) of the data and processing. The password filtering program 112 provides the user with a copy of the stored personal data or confidential business data or a combination thereof. The password filtering program 112 allows for the correction or completion of inaccurate or incomplete personal data or confidential business data or a combination thereof. The password filtering program 112 allows for the immediate deletion of personal data or confidential business data or a combination thereof.

[0024] User computing device 120 operates as a computing device associated with a user who can opt in to password filtering program 112 via a user interface, such as user interface 122. User computing device 120 opts in to password filtering program 112, and in other embodiments, distributed data processing environment 100 may include any number of opted-in user computing devices. In the illustrated embodiment, user computing device 120 includes an instance of user interface 122. In one embodiment, user computing device 120 can be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart speaker, smart glasses, a wearable computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with various components and devices in distributed data processing environment 100 via network 105. Generally, user computing device 120 represents one or more programmable electronic devices or a combination of programmable electronic devices capable of executing machine-readable program instructions and communicating with other computing devices (not shown) in distributed data processing environment 100 via a network, such as network 105. User computing device 120 may include internal and external hardware components, as shown and described in further detail with respect to FIG.

[0025] User interface 122 provides an interface between password filtering program 112 on server 110 and a user of user computing device 120. In one embodiment, user interface 122 is mobile application software. Mobile application software, or “app,” is a computer program designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices. In one embodiment, user interface 122 can be a graphical user interface (GUI) and a web user interface (WUI) and can display text, documents, web browser windows, user options, application interfaces, and instructions for operation, including information (e.g., graphics, text, and sound) that the program presents to the user and control sequences the user uses to control the program. User interface 122 allows a user of user computing device 120 to set an actual password, establish a set of filtering rules, and enter a dummy password to be filtered based on the set of filtering rules. Additionally, the user interface 122 allows a user of the user computing device 120 to opt in or out of the password filtering program 112 .

[0026] 2 is a flowchart 200 illustrating the operational steps of the constituent components of password filtering program 112 in server 110 in distributed data processing environment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 receives a request from a user to opt in, requests the user to enter a set of filtering rules, receives the set of filtering rules, and creates a user profile for the user using the set of filtering rules. It should be understood that the method illustrated in FIG. 2 shows one possible iteration of password filtering program 112, which may be repeated for each user who opts in to password filtering program 112.

[0027] In step 210, password filtering program 112 receives a request from a user to opt in. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 receives a request from a user to opt in to password filtering program 112. For example, a user of user computing device 120 submits a request to opt in to password filtering program 112 via user interface 122 of user computing device 120.

[0028] In step 220, the password filtering program 112 requests a set of filtering rules from the user. In one embodiment, the password filtering program 112 requests information from the user. In one embodiment, in response to the password filtering program 112 receiving a request from the user to opt in, the password filtering program 112 requests a set of filtering rules from the user. Generally, if the filtering rules match the actual password or erroneously change the actual password, the filtering rules will be invalid and will be rejected by the password filtering program 112.

[0029] The set of filtering rules requested by the user may include generalized rules in the form of regular expressions. A regular expression is a series of characters that defines a search pattern with a specific syntax. The search pattern is then used by a string search algorithm for a string "find" or "find and replace" operation. In other words, a regular expression is a specific standard text syntax for expressing a pattern for matching text. Because regular expressions allow expressing any possible matching pattern, a set of filtering rules as regular expressions can be customized and generalized as desired by the user. For example, the password filtering program 112 receives from the user a rule for the regular expression (?=^ABC)(?=EFG$), which matches strings that start with ABC and end with EFG. In another example, the password filtering program 112 receives from the user a rule for the regular expression a(bc){2,5}, which will match strings that have an "a" followed by two to a maximum of five "bc" sequences.

[0030] The set of filtering rules requested by the user can further include a regular expression rule that defines a sequential set of characters to be removed, where the sequential set of characters can appear one or more times in the received password, and the rule has a defined starting character and a defined ending character that is different from all characters in the actual password. For example, if the actual password is "HelloWorld" and the above rule filters out the sequential set of characters that start with "t" and end with "z," then if the user enters the dummy password "HeltenfkcozloWtqwezorld," the sequential sets "tenfkcoz" and "tqwez" will be filtered out.

[0031] The set of filtering rules requested by the user may further include regular expression rules that define specific characters that should always be excluded. For example, a user may define that the letter "z" should always be excluded from a dummy password entered by the user.

[0032] The set of filtering rules requested by the user may further include regular expression mathematical rules that are applied to sequences of characters. That is, a user may define a mathematical rule that sequential sets of characters are removed from the dummy password if the sequential sets of characters sum to or exceed a certain sum. For example, password filtering program 112 may receive a rule from a user that a sequence of three numbers is removed from any entered dummy password if the sequence sums to or exceeds 20.

[0033] In step 230, password filtering program 112 receives a set of filtering rules. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 receives the set of filtering rules from a user, including one or more of the rules described above. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 receives the set of filtering rules from the user in response to password filtering program 112 requesting the set of filtering rules from the user.

[0034] In step 240, password filtering program 112 creates a user profile based on the set of filtering rules. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 creates a user profile for the user and includes the set of filtering rules received from the user. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 stores the user profile or the set of filtering rules, or a combination thereof, in a database, such as database 114. In one embodiment, in response to password filtering program 112 receiving the set of filtering rules from the user, password filtering program 112 creates a user profile for the user and includes the set of filtering rules received from the user. This user profile is used by password filtering program 112 to invoke the set of filtering rules and apply the set of filtering rules to a password entered by the user at a user computing device, such as user computing device 120.

[0035] 3 is a flowchart 300 illustrating operational steps of a login component of password filtering program 112 on server 110 in distributed data processing environment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 receives a password entered by a user, determines whether the password requires filtering, filters characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules from the user profile in response to determining that the password requires filtering, and determines whether the filtered password matches the actual password. It should be understood that the method shown in FIG. 3 illustrates one possible iteration of password filtering program 112, which may be repeated for each password entered by a user who opts into password filtering program 112.

[0036] In step 310, the password filtering program 112 receives a password entered by the user. In one embodiment, the password filtering program 112 receives a dummy password entered by the user as the password for logging in. For example, the password filtering program 112 receives the password "CliftngfdgzonPanozrk" entered by the user via the user interface 122 of the user computing device 120.

[0037] In decision step 320, the password filtering program 112 determines whether the password requires filtering. Essentially, the password filtering program 112 determines whether the user entered a dummy password, an actual password, or an incorrect password. In one embodiment, the password filtering program 112 determines that the password requires filtering based on a password having more characters than the actual password. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a password entered by a user, the password filtering program 112 determines whether the password requires filtering. In one embodiment, the password filtering program 112 determines that the password does not require filtering if the password matches the actual password, if the password has fewer characters than the actual password, or if the password has the same number of characters as the actual password but does not match the actual password.

[0038] If the password filtering program 112 determines that the password does not need filtering because it matches the actual password (decision 320, “No, Matches Actual Password” branch), the password filtering program 112 proceeds to step 350, which allows login. If the password filtering program 112 determines that the password does not need filtering because it has fewer characters than the actual password or because it has the same number of characters as the actual password but does not match the actual password (decision 320, “No, Has Fewer Characters Than Actual Password or Same Number of Characters Than Actual Password, But Does Not Match Actual Password” branch), the password filtering program 112 proceeds to step 360 and does not allow login. If the password filtering program 112 determines that the password needs filtering because it has more characters than the actual password (decision 320, “Yes” branch), the password filtering program 112 proceeds to step 330, which filters out characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules.

[0039] In step 330, password filtering program 112 removes characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules. In one embodiment, password filtering program 112 removes characters from the dummy password based on the set of filtering rules stored in the user's user profile. For example, password filtering program 112 retrieves a set of filtering rules from the user's user profile stored in database 114, applies each rule in the set of filtering rules to the password, and removes characters based on the set of filtering rules. In one embodiment, in response to password filtering program 112 determining that the password requires filtering, password filtering program 112 removes characters from the password based on the set of filtering rules.

[0040] In decision 340, the password filtering program 112 determines whether the filtered password matches the actual password. In one embodiment, the password filtering program 112 compares the filtered password with the actual password to determine whether the filtered password matches the actual password. If the password filtering program 112 determines that the filtered password does not match the actual password (decision 340, no branch), the password filtering program 112 proceeds to step 360, which denies login. In step 360, the password filtering program 112 denies login. In some embodiments, the password filtering program 112 notifies the user that the password is incorrect and requests the user to re-enter the password. If the password filtering program 112 determines that the filtered password matches the actual password (decision 340, "yes" branch), the password filtering program 112 proceeds to step 350, which allows login. In step 350, the password filtering program 112 allows the user to log in.

[0041] 4 illustrates a block diagram of components of a computing device 400 suitable for use as a server 110 or a user computing device 120, or a combination thereof, in the distributed data processing environment 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that FIG. 4 provides only an example of one implementation and is not intended to imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made.

[0042] Computing device 400 includes a communications fabric 402 that provides communications between cache 416, memory 406, persistent storage 408, communications unit 410, and one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 412. Communications fabric 402 can be implemented using any architecture designed to pass data or control information, or a combination thereof, between processors (e.g., microprocessors, communications processors, and network processors), system memory, peripherals, and any other hardware components in the system. For example, communications fabric 402 can be implemented using one or more buses or crossbar switches.

[0043] Memory 406 and persistent storage 408 are computer-readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory 406 includes random access memory (RAM). Generally, memory 406 can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media. Cache 416 is high-speed memory that enhances the performance of one or more computer processors 404 by retaining recently accessed data and data near recently accessed data from memory 406.

[0044] Programs may be stored in persistent storage 408 and in memory 406 for execution or access by one or more of the individual computer processors 404 via cache 416, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, persistent storage 408 includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 408 may include a solid-state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0045] The media used by persistent storage 408 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 408. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto another computer-readable recording medium that is also part of persistent storage 408.

[0046] In these examples, communications unit 410 provides for communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit 410 includes one or more network interface cards. Communications unit 410 may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. Programs may be downloaded to persistent storage 408 via communications unit 410.

[0047] One or more I / O interfaces 412 allow input and output of data to and from the server 110 and other devices that may be connected to the user computing device 120. For example, the I / O interface 412 may provide a connection to an external device 418, such as a keyboard, keypad, touchscreen, or some other suitable input device, or a combination thereof. The external device 418 may also include portable computer-readable storage media, such as thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to implement embodiments of the present invention may be stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and loaded onto persistent storage 408 via one or more I / O interfaces 412. The one or more I / O interfaces 412 also connect to a display 420.

[0048] Display 420 provides a mechanism for displaying data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor.

[0049] The programs described herein are identified based on the applications in which they are implemented in particular embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that any specific program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and therefore the invention should not be limited to use only in any particular application identified, implied, or identified and implied by such nomenclature.

[0050] The present invention may be a system, method, or computer program product, or any combination thereof, which may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0051] The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as a punch card or a ridge structure in a groove in which instructions are recorded, or any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, a computer-readable medium should not be construed as a transitory signal per se, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted over an electrical wire.

[0052] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable recording medium to an individual computing / processing device or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The network may be comprised of copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission cables, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, or edge servers, or a combination thereof. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions to the individual computing / processing device for storage in a computer-readable recording medium.

[0053] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be either assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for an integrated circuit, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, such as object-oriented programming languages, object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Smalltalk, C++, etc.), procedural programming languages (e.g., the "C" programming language or similar programming languages), etc. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on a user's computer, partially on a user's computer, partially on a user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partially on a user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be to an external computer (e.g., over the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits, such as programmable logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), may execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit to perform aspects of the invention.

[0054] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations or block diagrams, or combinations thereof, of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations or block diagrams, or combinations thereof, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations or block diagrams, or combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0055] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, executing on the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts or block diagrams, or combinations thereof, to produce a machine. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable recording medium capable of directing a computer-programmable data processing apparatus or other device, or combinations thereof, to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions includes an article of manufacture including instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts or block diagrams, or combinations thereof.

[0056] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device such that the instructions, which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, implement the functions / acts identified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts or block diagrams, or combinations thereof, causing the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to generate a computer-implemented process.

[0057] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be accomplished as a single step performed simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, partially, or fully in a time-overlapping manner, depending on the functionality involved, or the blocks may be performed in the reverse order. It should be noted that each block of the block diagrams or flowchart diagrams or combinations thereof, and combinations of multiple blocks in the block diagrams or flowchart diagrams or combinations thereof, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or may execute a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0058] The description of various embodiments of the present invention is presented for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used in this specification have been selected to explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements to commercially available technology, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for a rule-based filtering system for securing password logins, comprising: one or more processors receiving a password entered at the user device; the one or more processors determining whether the password requires filtering; In response to determining that the password requires filtering, the one or more processors filter characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules to create a filtered password; and The one or more processors determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password. Including, determining whether the password requires filtering; the one or more processors counting the number of characters in the password; the one or more processors comparing the number of characters in the password to a second number of characters in the stored password; and In response to determining that the password contains more characters than characters in the stored password, the one or more processors determine that the password requires filtering. further comprising: The computer-implemented method.

2. 1. A computer-implemented method for a rule-based filtering system for securing password logins, comprising: one or more processors receiving a password entered at the user device; the one or more processors determining whether the password requires filtering; In response to determining that the password requires filtering, the one or more processors filter characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules to create a filtered password; and The one or more processors determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password. Including, a rule in the set of filtering rules defines a mathematical rule such that a sequential set of characters is removed from the password if the sequential set of characters equals or exceeds a predefined sum; The computer-implemented method.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the set of filtering rules further defines a sequential set of characters to be removed having a defined starting character and a defined ending character that are different from all characters in the stored password.

4. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the set of filtering rules includes at least one regular expression.

5. In response to determining that the filtered password matches a stored password, the one or more processors enable a user of the user device to log in. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. In response to a user of a user device opting into a rule-based filtering system, the one or more processors prompting the user to input the set of filtering rules; the one or more processors receiving the set of filtering rules from the user device; and the one or more processors storing the set of filtering rules in a user profile for the user. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rule in the set of filtering rules defines specific characters to be removed from the password.

8. A computer program for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins, the computer comprising: receiving an entered password at the user device; determining whether the password requires filtering; In response to determining that the password requires filtering, filtering characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules to create a filtered password; and determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password; Execute determining whether the password requires filtering; Counting the number of characters in the password; comparing the number of characters in the password to a second number of characters in the stored password; and determining that the password requires filtering in response to determining that the password contains more characters than characters in the stored password; further comprising: The computer program.

9. A computer program for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins, the computer comprising: receiving an entered password at the user device; determining whether the password requires filtering; In response to determining that the password requires filtering, filtering characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules to create a filtered password; and determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password; Execute a rule in the set of filtering rules defines a mathematical rule such that a sequential set of characters is removed from the password if the sequential set of characters equals or exceeds a predefined sum; The computer program.

10. The computer program of claim 9, wherein the set of filtering rules further defines a sequential set of characters to be removed having a defined starting character and a defined ending character that are different from all characters in the stored password.

11. The computer program product of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the set of filtering rules comprises at least one regular expression.

12. The computer, In response to determining that the filtered password matches a stored password, allowing a user of the user device to log in. The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising:

13. The computer, responsive to a user of a user device opting into a rule-based filtering system, requesting the user to input the set of filtering rules; receiving the set of filtering rules from the user device; and saving said set of filtering rules in a user profile for said user; The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising:

14. 14. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein one rule in the set of filtering rules defines specific characters to be removed from the password.

15. 1. A computer system for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins, comprising: one or more computer processors; one or more computer-readable storage media; program instructions collectively stored on said one or more computer-readable storage media for execution by at least one of said one or more computer processors; It is equipped with The stored program instructions include: program instructions for receiving an entered password at the user device; program instructions for determining whether the password requires filtering; program instructions for filtering characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules in response to determining that the password requires filtering to create a filtered password; and program instructions for determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password; Including, The program instructions for determining whether the password requires filtering include: program instructions for counting the number of characters in the password; program instructions for comparing the number of characters in the password to a second number of characters in the stored password; and program instructions for determining that the password requires filtering in response to determining that the password contains more characters than characters in the stored password; further comprising: The computer system.

16. 1. A computer system for a rule-based filtering system for protecting password logins, comprising: one or more computer processors; one or more computer-readable storage media; program instructions collectively stored on said one or more computer-readable storage media for execution by at least one of said one or more computer processors; It is equipped with The stored program instructions include: program instructions for receiving an entered password at the user device; program instructions for determining whether the password requires filtering; program instructions for filtering characters from the password based on a set of filtering rules in response to determining that the password requires filtering to create a filtered password; and program instructions for determining whether the filtered password matches a stored password; Including, a rule in the set of filtering rules defines a mathematical rule such that a sequential set of characters is removed from the password if the sequential set of characters equals or exceeds a predefined sum; The computer system.

17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein the set of filtering rules further defines a sequential set of characters to be removed having a defined starting character and a defined ending character that are different from all characters in the stored password.

18. program instructions for enabling a user of a user device to log in in response to determining that the filtered password matches a stored password; The computer system of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising:

19. program instructions for prompting a user of a user device to input the set of filtering rules in response to the user opting into a rule-based filtering system; program instructions for receiving the set of filtering rules from the user device; and program instructions for storing the set of filtering rules in a user profile for the user; The computer system of any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising:

20. The computer system of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein one rule in the set of filtering rules defines specific characters to be excluded from the password.

Images