Hybrid Authentication System Using Keystroke Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer authentication methods, such as password-based systems and token systems, are vulnerable to subversion and often require special hardware, lacking a secure and hardware-independent solution for reliably distinguishing authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid authentication system that combines physical and behavioral measurements, analyzing data from multiple processing engines using unique algorithms to produce a unified confidence measure, which can be used for access control, security alerts, or user profiling without requiring special hardware beyond a standard computer and keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If password-based authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication factors including password verification, keystroke dynamics analysis, and timing patterns into a unified authentication system. This multi-factor approach merges traditional password authentication with behavioral biometrics to achieve both ease of operation and enhanced security
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system uses a composite approach by integrating multiple verification methods (password, keystroke timing, pressure patterns) into a single authentication decision. This composite authentication mechanism leverages the strengths of each individual method while mitigating their individual weaknesses
2Reliability
If token systems are used, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical token-based authentication with a software-based behavioral biometric system that analyzes keystroke dynamics, timing patterns, and typing rhythms. This substitution eliminates the need for separate physical tokens while maintaining or enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to work with standard keyboard inputs without requiring specialized hardware. The same system can authenticate users across different devices and platforms, providing universal compatibility while delivering enhanced security
3Reliability
If fingerprint or retinal authentication is used, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized biometric hardware (fingerprint scanners, retinal cameras) with a software-based system that uses standard keyboard inputs. This substitution achieves similar security levels without requiring complex hardware infrastructure
4Measurement precision
If multi-engine analysis is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system divides the analysis into multiple independent processing engines, each specializing in different aspects of keystroke analysis (timing, rhythm, pressure, error patterns). This segmentation allows each engine to focus on specific features, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining modular complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A user authentication system collects measurements of physical and/or behavioral characteristics of a user. The measurements are processed by two or more processing engines to produce initial confidence measures, and a unified confidence measure is prepared from weighted inputs including the initial confidence measures.