Dynamic Password Hint Generation via Hash-Based Object Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication systems face challenges in managing multiple user accounts due to memory issues, are vulnerable to human errors and attacks, and do not dynamically generate password hints to verify password correctness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically generates a hint for a user account by converting the password to a hash value, performing a modulo operation to retrieve an object from an object library, and displaying this object as a hint to create a mental association, without storing sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system stores password hints in a database or file for lateral retrieval, then users can recall their passwords, but the system becomes vulnerable to human errors, social engineering attacks, and compromising of password hint files or databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password hint generation logic from centralized storage systems and implements it dynamically during the login process. Instead of storing hints in databases or files, the system generates hints on-the-fly by hashing the password and using the hash to retrieve an associated object from memory, thereby eliminating the vulnerability of stored hint files while maintaining password recall functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hash function as an intermediary between the password and the hint object. The password is hashed to produce a unique identifier, which then serves as a key to retrieve the corresponding object from memory. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct storage of password hints while enabling secure recall, protecting against both human errors and cyber attacks
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system asks users to formulate or select password hints at account creation, then users can manage multiple accounts, but the hints become vulnerable to guessability, dictionary attacks and brute force attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating password hints based on the password hash and associated objects stored in memory. Users don't need to manually create or select hints; the system dynamically generates appropriate hints (such as contact names, emails, or other relevant objects) based on the password hash, eliminating user error while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of hint generation from static user-input based to dynamic hash-based generation. Instead of using fixed templates or user-selected phrases that can be guessed, the system uses cryptographic hashing to transform the password into a unique identifier, which then maps to unrelated objects in memory. This parameter change makes the hints unpredictable and resistant to dictionary and brute force attacks
3Device complexity
If the system does not generate password hints dynamically, then existing systems are simpler to implement, but users cannot verify password correctness before submitting login credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating and displaying the password hint before the user submits their login credentials. The system calculates the hash of the entered password, retrieves the associated object from memory, and displays it as a verification hint. This allows users to verify password correctness in advance without requiring complex additional authentication steps, maintaining simplicity while improving usability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for dynamically generating a hint to recall a password for a user account of a user. The method for dynamically generating the hint to recall the password for the user account of the user includes the steps of receiving the password for the user account while the user inputs the password field of a login page. The password comprises a plurality of characters. The method, then, converts the password from the plain text to a hash value using a hash function. Thereafter, the method performs a modulo operation on the hash value to obtain an index pointing an object within an object library associated with the user. The method, then, displays, the object as the hint. The hint enables the user to create a mental association between the password and the object for the user account.