Multi-layer Password Authentication with Moving Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical authentication systems are vulnerable to 'shoulder surfing' where observers can determine the cursor location or pattern, compromising security during password entry.
Innovation Solution
The system generates modified base and overlay images with pre-selected reference points, requiring users to move these points through a sequence of other pre-selected points for authentication, making it difficult for observers to determine alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional graphical authentication systems are used where users move a cursor or align images, then the authentication process is simple and easy to operate, but the system becomes vulnerable to shoulder surfing attacks where observers can determine the cursor location or alignment pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is divided into multiple independent layers (base layer, overlay layer, and additional intermediate layers). Each layer contains specific reference points that must be aligned in sequence, breaking down the single alignment action into multiple discrete steps that are harder to observe and replicate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple layers stacked in the vertical dimension, transforming the traditional two-dimensional alignment problem into a three-dimensional multi-layer alignment challenge. This adds depth to the authentication process, requiring users to align reference points across different layers rather than just on a single plane
Solution Approach 3:
Additional intermediate layers are introduced between the base layer and overlay layer as mediators. These intermediate layers contain their own reference points that must be aligned, acting as intermediary steps that obscure the direct alignment path between the base and overlay layers, making it harder for observers to determine the final alignment pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and at least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. In addition to the moving, a change in orientation of at least one of the modified base image and the modified overlay image is required. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image after moving through at least one other pre-selected reference point.