For a More-Secure Password, Watch How You Type

A text password – no matter how many times you change it or how many illogical symbols you incorporate into it – is always going have some inherent weaknesses: It can be stolen via keystroke software, broken into by password-recovery programs, and it can fall into the wrong hands if written down or shared with a co-worker.

All of this drives IT managers crazy, which has driven a movement toward two-factor authentication in logical access control. A group of researchers at the American University in Beirut have come up with an unusual biometric that could be used as for that second factor: your typing pattern.

That’s right. The process, called key-pattern analysis, records timing with which a user types in his password and then compares that template to the timing every person uses when trying to gain access to the digital asset. Upon enrollment, a user has to type the password in several times, to allow for all the variations possible.

The field of key-pattern analysis has actually been around for a few decades, but this research from the American University in Beirut, advances it into the realm of the useable. Previous researchers had failed to take into account the fact that quick typists sometimes press more than one key at a time. As such, this effort at producing an effective key-pattern analysis authenticator looked at the length of time for which a user presses the key, which the researchers say gives a better – and more robust – picture of typing patterns.

One of the study’s authors, Ravel Jabbour, points out that, as key-pattern analysis doesn’t require any extra equipment, it is much less costly than solutions that require extra equipment, such as a card reader, at every work station. And, Jabbour said, key-pattern analysis programs should work almost as well as sophisticated biometrics, such as iris or fingerprint scans. “If the profile building phase is conducted with care, there should be no real problem with key-pattern analysis,” he said.

About the Author

Laura Williams is content development editor for Security Products magazine.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3